DUKE 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY 


Treasure  %oom 


Earth  and  air  seemed  filled  -with  beauty. 


FLOWER   FABLES 


BY 


LOUISA    MAY    ALCOTT. 


;  Pondering  shadows,  colors,  clouds, 
Grass-buds,  and  caterpillar  shrouds, 
Boughs  on  which  the  wild  bees  settle, 
Tints  that  spot  the  violet's  petal." 

Emerson's  Wood-Notes. 


BOSTON: 

GEORGE    W.    BRIGGS    &    CO. 

1855. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854,  by 

W.    B.    STEVENS, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


CAMBRIDGE: 
METCALF  AND   COMPANY,  8TERE0TYPER8  AND  PRINTERS. 


-'D    I 


TO 

ELLEN    EMEKSON, 

FOR    WHOM     THEY     WERE     FANCIED, 

THESE    FLOWER    FABLES 

ARE    INSCRIBED, 

BY  HER  FRIEND, 

THE    AUTHOR. 
Boston,  Dec.  9, 1854. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 
THE   FROST   KING  :   OR,   THE   POWER   OF   LOVE,  .  .  7 

EVA'S  VISIT   TO   FAIRY-LAND,  33 

THE   FLOWER'S   LESSON, 61 

LILY-BELL  AND   THISTLEDOWN, 65 

LITTLE   BUD, 113 

CLOVER-BLOSSOM, 130 

LITTLE   ANNIE'S   DREAM  :   OR,  THE   FAIRY  FLOWER,    .  .138 

RIPPLE,   THE   WATER-SPIRIT, 156 

FAIRY    SONG, 181 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2011  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/flowerfablesOOalco 


FLOWER    FABLES 


The  summer  moon  shone  brightly  down  upon 
the  sleeping  earth,  while  far  away  from  mortal 
eyes  danced  the  Fairy  folk.  Fire-flies  hung  in 
bright  clusters  on  the  dewy  leaves,  that  waved 
in  the  cool  night-wind;  and  the  flowers  stood 
gazing,  in  very  wonder,  at  the  little  Elves,  who 
lay  among  the  fern-leaves,  swung  in  the  vine- 
boughs,  sailed  on  the  lake  in  lily  cups,  or  danced 
on  the  mossy  ground,  to  the  music  of  the  hare- 
bells, who  rung  out  their  merriest  peal  in  honor 
of  the  night. 

Under  the  shade  of  a  wild  rose  sat  the  Queen 
and  her  little  Maids  of  Honor,  beside  the  sil- 
very mushroom  where  the  feast  was  spread. 

"  Now,  my  friends,"  said  she,  "  to  wile  away 
the  time   till  the   bright  moon  goes  down,  let 


6  FLOWER    FABLES. 

us  each  tell  a  tale,  or  relate  what  we  have 
done  or  learned  this  day.  I  will  begin  with 
you,  Sunny  Lock,"  added  she,  turning  to  a 
lovely  little  Elf,  who  lay  among  the  fragrant 
leaves  of  a  primrose. 

With  a  gay  smile,  "  Sunny  Lock  "  began  her 
story. 

"  As  I  was  painting  the  bright  petals  of  a 
blue  bell,  it  told  me  this  tale." 


THE     FROST-KING: 

OR, 

THE    POWER    OF    LOVE. 


Three  little  Fairies  sat  in  the  fields  eating 
their  breakfast ;  each  among  the  leaves  of  her 
favorite  flower,  Daisy,  Primrose,  and  Violet, 
were  happy   as   Elves   need  be. 

The  morning  wind  gently  rocked  them  to 
and  fro,  and  the  sun  shone  warmly  down  upon 
the  dewy  grass,  where  butterflies  spread  their 
gay  wings,  and  bees  with  their  deep  voices 
sung  among  the  flowers  ;  while  the  little  birds 
hopped  merrily   about  to  peep  at  them. 

On  a  silvery  mushroom  was  spread  the 
breakfast ;  little  cakes  of  flower-dust  lay  on  a 
broad  green  leaf,  beside  a  crimson  strawberry, 
which,  with  sugar  from  the  violet,  and  cream 
from  the  yellow  milkweed,  made  a  fairy  meal, 


8 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


and  their  drink  was  the  dew  from  the  flowers' 
bright  leaves. 

"  Ah  me,"  sighed  Primrose,  throwing  herself 
languidly  back,  "  how  warm  the  sun  grows  !  give 
me  another  piece  of  strawberry,  and  then  I 
must  hasten  away  to  the  shadow  of  the  ferns. 
But  while  I  eat,  tell  me,  dear  Violet,  why  are 
you  all  so  sad  ?  I  have  scarce  seen  a  happy 
face  since  my  return  from  Rose  Land ;  dear 
friend,  what  means  it  ?  " 

"  I  will  tell  you,"  replied  little  Violet,  the 
tears  gathering  in  her  soft  eyes.  "  Our  good 
Queen  is  ever  striving  to  keep  the  dear  flow- 
ers from  the  power  of  the  cruel  Frost- King ; 
many  ways  she  tried,  but  all  have  failed.  She 
has  sent  messengers  to  his  court  with  costly 
gifts  ;  but  all  have  returned  sick  for  want  of 
sunlight,  weary  and  sad ;  we  have  watched 
over  them,  heedless  of  sun  or  shower,  but  still 
his  dark  spirits  do  their  work,  and  we  are 
left  to  weep  over  our  blighted  blossoms.  Thus 
have  we  striven,  and  in  vain ;  and  this  night 
our  Queen  holds  council  for  the  last  time. 
Therefore  are  we  sad,  dear  Primrose,  for  she 
has  toiled  and  cared  for  us,  and  we  can  do 
nothing  to  help  or  advise  her  now." 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


9 


"It  is  indeed  a  cruel  thing,"  replied  her 
friend;  "but  as  we  cannot  help  it,  we  must 
suffer  patiently,  and  not  let  the  sorrows  of 
others  disturb  our  happiness.  But,  dear  sisters, 
see  you  not  how  high  the  sun  is  getting?  I 
have  my  locks  to  curl,  and  my  robe  to  prepare 
for  the  evening ;  therefore  I  must  be  gone,  or 
I  shall  be  brown  as  a  withered  leaf  in  this 
warm  light."  So,  gathering  a  tiny  mushroom 
for  a  parasol,  she  flew  away;  Daisy  soon  fol- 
lowed, and  Violet  was  left  alone. 

Then  she  spread  the  table  afresh,  and  to  it 
came  fearlessly  the  busy  ant  and  bee,  gay 
butterfly  and  bird;  even  the  poor  blind  mole 
and  humble  worm  were  not  forgotten  ;  and  with 
gentle  words  she  gave  to  all,  while  each  learned 
something  of  their  kind  little  teacher ;  and  the 
love  that  made  her  own  heart  bright  shone 
alike  on  all. 

The  ant  and  bee  learned  generosity,  the  but- 
terfly and  bird  contentment,  the  mole  and  worm 
confidence  in  the  love  of  others;  and  each 
went  to  their  home  better  for  the  little  time 
they  had  been  with  Violet. 

Evening  came,   and  with  it  troops  of  Elves 


10 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


to  counsel  their  good  Queen,  who,  seated  on 
her  mossy  throne,  looked  anxiously  upon  the 
throng  below,  whose  glittering  wings  and  rust- 
ling robes  gleamed  like  many-colored  flowers. 

At  length  she  rose,  and  amid  the  deep  silence 
spoke  thus : — 

"  Dear  children,  let  us  not  tire  of  a  good  work, 
hard  though  it  be  and  wearisome  ;  think  of  the 
many  little  hearts  that  in  their  sorrow  look  to 
us  for  help.  What  would  the  green  earth  be 
without  its  lovely  flowers,  and  what  a  lonely 
home  for  us !  Their  beauty  fills  our  hearts 
with  brightness,  and  their  love  with  tender 
thoughts.  Ought  we  then  to  leave  them  to 
die  un cared  for  and  alone  ?  They  give  to  us 
their  all ;  ought  we  not  to  toil  unceasingly,  that 
they  may  bloom  in  peace  within  their  quiet 
homes  ?  We  have  tried  to  gain  the  love  of  the 
stern  Frost- King,  but  in  vain ;  his  heart  is  hard 
as  his  own  icy  land ;  no  love  can  melt,  no  kind- 
ness bring  it  back  to  sunlight  and  to  joy.  How 
then  may  we  keep  our  frail  blossoms  from  his 
cruel  spirits  ?  Who  will  give  us  counsel  ?  Who 
will  be  our  messenger  for  the  last  time  ?  Speak, 
my  subjects." 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


11 


Then  a  great  murmuring  arose,  and  many- 
spoke,  some  for  costlier  gifts,  some  for  war  ;  and 
the  fearful  counselled  patience  and  submission. 

Long  and  eagerlf  they  spoke,  and  their  soft 
voices  rose  high. 

Then  sweet  music  sounded  on  the  air,  and 
the  loud  tones  were  hushed,  as  in  wondering 
silence  the  Fairies  waited  what  should  come. 

Through  the  crowd  there  came  a  little  form, 
a  wreath  of  pure  white  violets  lay  among  the 
bright  locks  that  fell  so  softly  round  the  gen- 
tle face,  where  a  deep  blush  glowed,  as,  kneel- 
ing at  the  throne,  little  Violet  said :  — 

"  Dear  Queen,  we  have  bent  to  the  Frost- 
King's  power,  we  have  borne  gifts  unto  his 
pride,  but  have  we  gone  trustingly  to  him  and 
spoken  fearlessly  of  his  evil  deeds  ?  Have  we 
shed  the  soft  light  of  unwearied  love  around 
his  cold  heart,  and  with  patient  tenderness  shown 
him  how  bright  and  beautiful  love  can  make 
even  the  darkest  lot? 

"  Our  messengers  have  gone  fearfully,  and 
with  cold  looks  and  courtly  words  offered  him 
rich  gifts,  things  he  cared  not  for,  and  with 
equal  pride  has  he  sent  them  back. 


12  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Then  let  me,  the  weakest  of  your  band,  go 
to  him,  trusting  in  the  love  I  know  lies  hidden 
in  the  coldest  heart. 

"  I  will  bear  only  a  garland  of  our  fairest 
flowers ;  these  will  I  wind  about  him,  and  their 
bright  faces,  looking  lovingly  in  his,  will  bring 
sweet  thoughts  to  his  dark  mind,  and  their  soft 
breath  steal  in  like  gentle  words.  Then,  when 
he  sees  them  fading  on  his  breast,  will  he  not 
sigh  that  there  is  no  warmth  there  to  keep  them 
fresh  and  lovely  ?  This  will  I  do,  dear  Queen, 
and  never  leave  his  dreary  home,  till  the  sun- 
light falls  on  flowers  fair  as  those  that  bloom 
in  our  own  dear  land." 

Silently  the  Queen  had  listened,  but  now, 
rising  and  placing  her  hand  on  little  Violet's 
head,  she  said,  turning  to  the  throng  below :  — 

"  We  in  our  pride  and  power  have  erred, 
while  this,  the  weakest  and  lowliest  of  our  sub- 
jects, has  from  the  innocence  of  her  own  pure 
heart  counselled  us  more  wisely  than  the  no- 
blest of  our  train.  All  who  will  aid  our  brave 
little  messenger,  lift  your  wands,  that  we  may 
know  who  will  place  their  trust  in  the  Power 
of  Love." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  13 

Every  fairy  wand  glistened  in  the  air,  as  with 
silvery  voices  they  cried,  "  Love  and  little 
Violet." 

Then  down  from  the  throne,  hand  in  hand, 
came  the  Queen  and  Violet,  and  till  the  moon 
sank  did  the  Fairies  toil,  to  weave  a  wreath 
of  the  fairest  flowers.  Tenderly  they  gathered 
them,  with  the  night-dew  fresh  upon  their  leaves, 
and  as  they  wove  chanted  sweet  spells,  and 
whispered  fairy  blessings  on  the  bright  messen- 
gers whom  they  sent  forth  to  die  in  a  dreary 
land,  that  their  gentle  kindred  might  bloom  un- 
harmed. 

At  length  it  was  done ;  and  the  fair  flowers 
lay  glowing  in  the  soft  starlight,  while  beside 
them  stood  the  Fairies,  singing  to  the  music 
of  the  wind-harps  :  — 

"  We  are  sending  you,  dear  flowers, 

Forth  alone  to  die, 
Where  your  gentle  sisters  may  not  weep 

O'er  the  cold  graves  where  you  lie ; 
But  you  go  to  bring  them  fadeless  life 

In  the  bright  homes  where  they  dwell, 
And  you  softly  smile  that 't  is  so, 

As  we  sadly  sing  farewell. 


14  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  O  plead  with  gentle  words  for  us, 

And  whisper  tenderly 
Of  generous  love  to  that  cold  heart, 

And  it  will  answer  ye  ; 
And  though  you  fade  in  a  dreary  home, 

Yet  loving  hearts  will  tell 
Of  the  joy  and  peace  that  you  have  given  : 

Flowers,  dear  flowers,  farewell !  " 

The  morning  sun  looked  softly  down  upon 
the  broad  green  earth,  which  like  a  mighty- 
altar  was  sending  up  clouds  of  perfume  from 
its  breast,  while  flowers  danced  gayly  in  the 
summer  wind,  and  birds  sang  their  morning 
hymn  among  the  cool  green  leaves.  Then  high 
above,  on  shining  wings,  soared  a  little  form. 
The  sunlight  rested  softly  on  the  silken  hair, 
and  the  winds  fanned  lovingly  the  bright  face, 
and  brought  the  sweetest  odors  to  cheer  her  on. 

Thus  went  Violet  through  the  clear  air,  and 
the  earth  looked  smiling  up  to  her,  as,  with 
the  bright  wreath  folded  in  her  arms,  she  flew 
among  the  soft,  white  clouds. 

On  and  on  she  went,  over  hill  and  valley, 
broad  rivers  and  rustling  woods,  till  the  warm 
sunlight  passed  away,  the  winds  grew  cold,  and 
the  air  thick  with  falling  snow.     Then  far  be- 


FLOWER    FABLES.  15 

low  she  saw  the  Frost-King's  home.  Pillars 
of  hard,  gray  ice  supported  the  high,  arched  roof, 
hung  with  crystal  icicles.  Dreary  gardens  lay 
around,  filled  with  withered  flowers  and  bare, 
drooping  trees  ;  while  heavy  clouds  hung  low 
in  the  dark  sky,  and  a  cold  wind  murmured 
sadly  through  the  wintry  air. 

With  a  beating  heart  Violet  folded  her 
fading  wreath  more  closely  to  her  breast,  and 
with  weary  wings  flew  onward  to  the  dreary 
palace. 

Here,  before  the  closed  doors,  stood  many 
forms  with  dark  faces  and  harsh,  discordant 
voices,  who  sternly  asked  the  shivering  little 
Fairy  why  she  came  to  them. 

Gently  she  answered,  telling  them  her  errand, 
beseeching  them  to  let  her  pass  ere  the  cold 
wind  blighted  her  frail  blossoms.  Then  they 
flung  wide  the  doors,  and  she  passed  in. 

Walls  of  ice,  carved  with  strange  figures, 
were  around  her ;  glittering  icicles  hung  from 
the  high  roof,  and  soft,  white  snow  covered  the 
hard  floors.  On  a  throne  hung  with  clouds  sat 
the  Frost- King ;  a  crown  of  crystals  bound  his 
white  locks,  and  a  dark  mantle  wrought  with 
2 


16  FLOWER    FABLES. 

delicate  frost-work  was  folded  over  his  cold 
breast. 

His  stern  face  could  not  stay  little  Violet, 
and  on  through  the  long  hall  she  went,  heedless 
of  the  snow  that  gathered  on  her  feet,  and  the 
bleak  wind  that  blew  around  her ;  while  the 
King  with  wondering  eyes  looked  on  the  golden 
light  that  played  upon  the  dark  walls  as  she 
passed. 

The  flowers,  as  if  they  knew  their  part,  un- 
folded their  bright  leaves,  and  poured  forth 
their  sweetest  perfume,  as,  kneeling  at  the 
throne,  the  brave  little  Fairy  said, — 

"  O  King  of  blight  and  sorrow,  send  me 
not  away  till  I  have  brought  back  the  light 
and  joy  that  will  make  your  dark  home  bright 
and  beautiful  again.  Let  me  call  back  to  the 
desolate  gardens  the  fair  forms  that  are  gone, 
and  their  soft  voices  blessing  you  will  bring 
to  your  breast  a  never  failing  joy.  Cast  by 
your  icy  crown  and  sceptre,  and  let  the  sun- 
light of  love  fall  softly  on  your  heart. 

"  Then  will  the  earth  bloom  again  in  all  its 
beauty,  and  your  dim  eyes  will  rest  only  on 
fair   forms,   while    music    shall    sound    through 


FLOWER    FABLES.  17 

these  dreary  halls,  and  the  love  of  grateful 
hearts  be  yours.  Have  pity  on  the  gentle 
flower-spirits,  and  do  not  doom  them  to  an 
early  death,  when  they  might  bloom  in  fade- 
less beauty,  making  us  wiser  by  their  gentle 
teachings,  and  the  earth  brighter  by  their  lovely 
forms.  These  fair  flowers,  with  the  prayers  of 
all  Fairy  Land,  I  lay  before  you ;  O  send  me 
not  away  till  they  are  answered." 

And  with  tears  falling  thick  and  fast  upon 
their  tender  leaves,  Violet  laid  the  wreath  at 
his  feet,  while  the  golden  light  grew  ever 
brighter  as  it  fell  upon  the  little  form  so  hum- 
bly kneeling  there. 

The  King's  stern  face  grew  milder  as  he  gazed 
on  the  gentle  Fairy,  and  the  flowers  seemed  to 
look  beseechingly  upon  him ;  while  their  fra- 
grant voices  sounded  softly  in  his  ear,  telling  of 
their  dying  sisters,  and  of  the  joy  it  gives  to 
bring  happiness  to  the  weak  and  sorrowing. 
But  he  drew  the  dark  mantle  closer  over  his 
breast  and  answered  coldly, — 

"  I  cannot  grant  your  prayer,  little  Fairy ; 
it  is  my  will  the  flowers  should  die.  Go 
back  to  your  Queen,  and  tell  her  that   I   can- 


18 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


not  yield  my  power  to  please  these  foolish 
flowers."  | 

Then  Violet  hung  the  wreath  above  the 
throne,  and  with  weary  feet  went  forth  again, 
out  into  the  cold,  dark  gardens,  and  still  the 
golden  shadows  followed  her,  and  wherever  they 
fell,  flowers  bloomed  and  green  leaves  rustled. 

Then  came  the  Frost- Spirits,  and  beneath 
their  cold  wings  the  flowers  died,  while  the 
Spirits  bore  Violet  to  a  low,  dark  cell,  saying 
as  they  left  her,  that  their  King  was  angry  that 
she  had  dared  to  stay  when  he  had  bid  her  go. 

So  all  alone  she  sat,  and  sad  thoughts  of 
her  happy  home  came  back  to  her,  and  she 
wept  bitterly.  But  soon  came  visions  of  the 
gentle  flowers  dying  in  their  forest  homes,  and 
their  voices  ringing  in  her  ear,  imploring  her 
to  save  them.  Then  she  wept  no  longer,  but 
patiently  awaited  what  might  come. 

Soon  the  golden  light  gleamed  faintly  through 
the  cell,  and  she  heard  little  voices  calling  for 
help,  and  high  up  among  the  heavy  cobwebs 
hung  poor  little  flies  struggling  to  free  them- 
selves, while  their  cruel  enemies  sat  in  their  nets, 
watching  their  pain. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  19 

With  her  wand  the  Fairy  broke  the  bands 
that  held  them,  tenderly  bound  up  their  broken 
wings,  and  healed  their  wounds ;  while  they 
lay  in  the  warm  light,  and  feebly  hummed  their 
thanks  to   their  kind  deliverer. 

Then  she  went  to  the  ugly  brown  spiders, 
and  in  gentle  words  told  them,  how  in  Fairy 
Land  their  kindred  spun  all  the  elfin  cloth, 
and  in  return  the  Fairies  gave  them  food,  and 
then  how  happily  they  lived  among  the  cool 
green  leaves,  spinning  garments  for  their  neigh- 
bors. "  And  you  too,"  said  she,  "  shall  spin  for 
me,  and  I  will  give  you  better  food  than  help- 
less insects.  You  shall  live  in  peace,  and  spin 
your  delicate  threads  into  a  mantle  for  the 
stern  King ;  and  I  will  weave  golden  threads 
amid  the  gray,  that  when  folded  over  his  cold 
heart  gentle  thoughts  may  enter  in  and  make 
it  their  home. 

And  while  she  gayly  sung,  the  little  weavers 
spun  their  silken  threads,  the  flies  on  glittering 
wings  flew  lovingly  above  her  head,  and  over 
all  the  golden  light  shone  softly  down. 

When  the  Frost- Spirits  told  their  King,  he 
greatly   wondered,   and   often   stole   to   look    at 


20  FLOWER    FABLES. 

the  sunny  little  room  where  friends  and  ene- 
mies worked  peacefully  together.  Still  the 
light  grew  brighter,  and  floated  out  into  the 
cold  air,  where  it  hung  like  bright  clouds  above 
the  dreary  gardens,  whence  all  the  Spirits'  power 
could  not  drive  it ;  and  green  leaves  budded  on 
the  naked  trees,  and  flowers  bloomed ;  but  the 
Spirits  heaped  snow  upon  them,  and  they  bowed 
their  heads  and  died. 

At  length  the  mantle  was  finished,  and  amid 
the  gray  threads  shone  golden  ones,  making  it 
bright ;  and  she  sent  it  to  the  King,  entreating 
him  to  wear  it,  for  it  would  bring  peace  and 
love  to  dwell  within  his  breast. 

But  he  scornfully  threw  it  aside,  and  bade  his 
Spirits  take  her  to  a  colder  cell,  deep  in  the 
earth ;  and  there  with  harsh  words  they  left 
her. 

Still  she  sang  gayly  on,  and  the  falling  drops 
kept  time  so  musically,  that  the  King  in  his 
cold  ice-halls  wTondered  at  the  low,  sweet  sounds 
that  came  stealing  up  to  him. 

Thus  Violet  dwelt,  and  each  day  the  golden 
light  grew  stronger ;  and  from  among  the  crev- 
ices  of  the  rocky   walls  came   troops    of  little 


FLOWER    FABLES.  21 

velvet-coated  moles,  praying  that  they  might 
listen  to  the  sweet  music,  and  lie  in  the  warm 
light. 

"  We  lead,"  said  they,  "  a  dreary  life  in  the 
cold  earth ;  the  flower-roots  are  dead,  and  no 
soft  dews  descend  for  us  to  drink,  no  little  seed 
or  leaf  can  we  find.  Ah,  good  Fairy,  let  us 
be  your  servants  :  give  us  but  a  few  crumbs  of 
your  daily  bread,  and  we  will  do  all  in  our 
power  to  serve  you." 

And  Violet  said,  Yes ;  so  day  after  day  they 
labored  to  make  a  pathway  through  the  frozen 
earth,  that  she  might  reach  the  roots  of  the 
withered  flowers  ;  and  soon,  wherever  through 
the  dark  galleries  she  went,  the  soft  light  fell 
upon  the  roots  of  flowers,  and  they  with  new 
life  spread  forth  in  the  warm  ground,  and  forced 
fresh  sap  to  the  blossoms  above.  Brightly  they 
bloomed  and  danced  in  the  soft  light,  and  the 
Frost- Spirits  tried  in  vain  to  harm  them,  for 
when  they  came  beneath  the  bright  clouds 
their  power  to  do  evil  left  them. 

From  his  dark  castle  the  King  looked  out 
on  the  happy  flowers,  who  nodded  gayly  to 
him,  and  in  sweet  odors  strove  to  tell  him  of 


22  FLOWER    FABLES. 

the  good  little  Spirit,  who  toiled  so  faithfully 
below,  that  they  might  live.  And  when  he 
turned  from  the  brightness  without,  to  his  state- 
ly palace,  it  seemed  so  cold  and  dreary,  that 
he  folded  Violet's  mantle  round  him,  and  sat 
beneath  the  faded  wreath  upon  his  ice-carved 
throne,  wondering  at  the  strange  warmth  that 
came  from  it ;  till  at  length  he  bade  his  Spirits 
bring  the  little  Fairy  from  her  dismal  prison. 

Soon  they  came  hastening  back,  and  prayed 
him  to  come  and  see  how  lovely  the  dark  cell 
had  grown.  The  rough  floor  was  spread  with 
deep  green  moss,  and  over  wall  and  roof  grew 
flowery  vines,  filling  the  air  with  their  sweet 
breath  ;  while  above  played  the  clear,  soft  light, 
casting  rosy  shadows  on  the  glittering  drops 
that  lay  among  the  fragrant  leaves ;  and  be- 
neath the  vines  stood  Violet,  casting  crumbs 
to  the  downy  little  moles  who  ran  fearlessly 
about  and  listened  as  she   sang  to  them. 

When  the  old  King  saw  how  much  fairer 
she  had  made  the  dreary  cell  than  his  palace 
rooms,  gentle  thoughts  within  whispered  him 
to  grant  her  prayer,  and  let  the  little  Fairy 
go  back  to  her  friends  and  home  ;  but  the  Frost- 


FLOWER    FABLES.  23 

Spirits  breathed  upon  the  flowers  and  bid  him 
see  how  frail  they  were,  and  useless  to  a  King. 
Then  the  stern,  cold  thoughts  came  back  again, 
and   he  harshly  bid  her  follow  him. 

With  a  sad  farewell  to  her  little  friends  she 
followed  him,  and  before  the  throne  awaited 
his  command.  When  the  King  saw  how  pale 
and  sad  the  gentle  face  had  grown,  how  thin 
her  robe,  and  weak  her  wings,  and  yet  how 
lovingly  the  golden  shadows  fell  around  her 
and  brightened  as  they  lay  upon  the  wand, 
which,  guided  by  patient  love,  had  made  his 
once  desolate  home  so  bright,  he  could  not  be 
cruel  to  the  one  who  had  done  so  much  for 
him,  and  in  kindly  tone  he  said, — 

"  Little  Fairy,  I  offer  you  two  things,  and 
you  may  choose  between  them.  If  I  will  vow 
never  more  to  harm  the  flowers  you  may  love, 
will  you  go  back  to  your  own  people  and  leave 
me  and  my  Spirits  to  work  our  will  on  all  the 
other  flowers  that  bloom  ?  The  earth  is  broad, 
and  we  can  find  them  in  any  land,  then  why 
should  you  care  what  happens  to  their  kindred 
if  your  own  are  safe  ?     Will  you  do  this  ?  " 

"  Ah !  "  answered  Violet  sadly,  "  do  you  not 


24  FLOWER    FABLES. 

know  that  beneath  the  flowers'  bright  leaves 
there  beats  a  little  heart  that  loves  and  sorrows 
like  our  own  ?  And  can  I,  heedless  of  their 
beauty,  doom  them  to  pain  and  grief,  that  I 
might  save  my  own  dear  blossoms  from  the 
cruel  foes  to  which  I  leave  them  ?  Ah  no ! 
sooner  would  I  dwell  for  ever  in  your  darkest 
cell,  than  lose  the  love  of  those  warm,  trusting 
hearts." 

"  Then  listen,"  said  the  King,  "  to  the  task 
I  give  you.  You  shall  raise  up  for  me  a  palace 
fairer  than  this,  and  if  you  can  work  that  mira- 
cle I  will  grant  your  prayer  or  lose  my  kingly 
crown.  And  now  go  forth,  and  begin  your  task ; 
my  Spirits  shall  not  harm  you,  and  I  will  wait 
till  it  is  done  before  I  blight  another  flower." 

Then  out  into  the  gardens  went  Violet  with 
a  heavy  heart ;  for  she  had  toiled  so  long,  her 
strength  was  nearly  gone.  But  the  flowers 
whispered  their  gratitude,  and  folded  their  leaves 
as  if  they  blessed  her ;  and  when  she  saw  the 
garden  filled  with  loving  friends,  who  strove 
to  cheer  and  thank  her  for  her  care,  courage 
and  strength  returned ;  and  raising  up  thick 
clouds  of  mist,  that  hid   her  from  the  wonder- 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


25 


ing  flowers,  alone  and  trustingly  she  began  her 
work. 

As  time  went  by,  the  Frost-King  feared  the 
task  had  been  too  hard  for  the  Fairy  ;  sounds 
were  heard  behind  the  walls  of  mist,  bright 
shadows  seen  to  pass  within,  but  the  little 
voice  was  never  heard.  Meanwhile  the  golden 
light  had  faded  from  the  garden,  the  flowers 
bowed  their  heads,  and  all  was  dark  and  cold 
as  when  the  gentle   Fairy  came. 

And  to  the  ste^n  King  his  home  seemed  more 
desolate  and  sau ;  for  he  missed  the  warm  light, 
the  happy  flowers,  and,  more  than  all,  the  gay 
voice  and  bright  face  of  little  Violet.  So  he 
wandered  through  his  dreary  palace,  wondering 
how  he  had  been  content  to  live  before  with- 
out sunlight  and  love. 

And  little  Violet  was  mourned  as  dead  in 
Fairy- Land,  and  many  tears  were  shed,  for  the 
gentle  Fairy  was  beloved  by  all,  from  the  Queen 
down  to  the  humblest  flower.  Sadly  they 
watched  over  every  bird  and  blossom  which 
she  had  loved,  and  strove  to  be  like  her  in 
kindly  words  and  deeds.  They  wore  cypress 
wreaths,  and  spoke  of  her  as  one  whom  they 
should  never  see  again. 


26  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Thus  they  dwelt  in  deepest  sorrow,  till  one 
day  there  came  to  them  an  unknown  messen- 
ger, wrapped  in  a  dark  mantle,  who  looked  with 
wondering  eyes  on  the  bright  palace,  and  flower- 
crowned  Elves,  who  kindly  welcomed  him,  and 
brought  fresh  dew  and  rosy  fruit  to  refresh 
the  weary  stranger.  Then  he  told  them  that 
he  came  from  the  Frost-King,  who  begged  the 
Queen  and  all  her  subjects  to  come  and  see 
the  palace  little  Violet  had  built ;  for  the  veil 
of  mist  would  soon  be  withdrawn,  and  as  she 
could  not  make  a  fairer  home  than  the  ice- 
castle,  the  King  wished  her  kindred  near  to 
comfort  and  to  bear  her  home.  And  while  the 
Elves  wept,  he  told  them  how  patiently  she 
had  toiled,  how  her  fadeless  love  had  made  the 
dark  cell   bright  and   beautiful. 

These  and  many  other  things  he  told  them ; 
for  little  Violet  had  won  the  love  of  many  of 
the  Frost-Spirits,  and  even  when  they  killed 
the  flowers  she  had  toiled  so  hard  to  bring 
to  life  and  beauty,  she  spoke  gentle  words  to 
them,  and  sought  to  teach  them  how  beauti- 
ful is  love.  Long  stayed  the  messenger,  and 
deeper  grew  his   wonder  that  the   Fairy  could 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


27 


have  left  so  fair  a  home,  to  toil  in  the  dreary- 
palace  of  his  cruel  master,  and  suffer  cold  and 
weariness,  to  give  life  and  joy  to  the  weak  and 
sorrowing.  When  the  Elves  had  promised  they 
would  come,  he  bade  farewell  to  happy  Fairy- 
Land,   and   flew   sadly  home. 

At  last  the  time  arrived,  and  out  in  his  barren 
garden,  under  a  canopy  of  dark  clouds,  sat  the 
Frost- King  before  the  misty  wall,  behind  which 
were  heard  low,  sweet  sounds,  as  of  rustling 
trees  and  warbling  birds. 

Soon  through  the  air  came  many-colored 
troops  of  Elves.  First  the  Queen,  known  by 
the  silver  lilies  on  her  snowy  robe  and  the 
bright  crown  in  her  hair,  beside  whom  flew  a 
band  of  Elves  in  crimson  and  gold,  making 
sweet  music  on  their  flower- trumpets,  while 
all  around,  with  smiling  faces  and  bright  eyes, 
fluttered  her  loving  subjects. 

On  they  came,  like  a  flock  of  brilliant  butter- 
flies, their  shining  wings  and  many-colored 
garments  sparkling  in  the  dim  air ;  and  soon 
the  leafless  trees  were  gay  with  living  flowers, 
and  their  sweet  voices  filled  the  gardens  with 
music.     Like  his  subjects,  the  King  looked  on 


28  FLOWER    FABLES. 

the  lovely  Elves,  and  no  longer  wondered  that 
little  Violet  wept  and  longed  for  her  home. 
Darker  and  more  desolate  seemed  his  stately 
home,  and  when  the  Fairies  asked  for  flowers, 
he  felt  ashamed  that  he  had  none  to  give  them. 

At  length  a  warm  wind  swept  through  the 
gardens,  and  the  mist-clouds  passed  away,  while 
in  silent  wonder  looked  the  Frost- King  and  the 
Elves  upon  the  scene  before  them. 

Far  as  eye  could  reach  were  tall  green  trees, 
whose  drooping  boughs  made  graceful  arches, 
through  which  the  golden  light  shone  softly, 
making  bright  shadows  on  the  deep  green  moss 
below,  where  the  fairest  flowers  waved  in  the 
cool  wind,  and  sang,  in  their  low,  sweet  voices, 
how  beautiful  is  Love. 

Flowering  vines  folded  their  soft  leaves  around 
the  trees,  making  green  pillars  of  their  rough 
trunks.  Fountains  threw  their  bright  waters 
to  the  roof,  and  flocks  of  silver-winged  birds 
flew  singing  among  the  flowers,  or  brooded 
lovingly  above  their  nests.  Doves  with  gentle 
eyes  cooed  among  the  green  leaves,  snow-white 
clouds  floated  in  the  sunny  sky,  and  the  golden 
light,  brighter  than  before,  shone  softly  down. 


The  Frost  Kingg  Palace. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  29 

Soon  through  the  long  aisles  came  Violet, 
flowers  and  green  leaves  rustling  as  she  passed. 
On  she  went  to  the  Frost-King's  throne,  bear- 
ing two  crowns,  one  of  sparkling  icicles,  the 
other  of  pure  white  lilies,  and  kneeling  before 
him,  said,  — 

"  My  task  is  done,  and,  thanks  to  the  Spirits 
of  earth  and  air,  I  have  made  as  fair  a  home 
as  Elfin  hands  can  form.  You  must  now  de- 
cide. Will  you  be  King  of  Flower-Land,  and 
own  my  gentle  kindred  for  your  loving  friends  ? 
Will  you  possess  unfading  peace  and  joy,  and 
the  grateful  love  of  all  the  green  earth's  fragrant 
children  ?  Then  take  this  crown  of  flowers. 
But  if  you  can  find  no  pleasure  here,  go  back 
to  your  own  cold  home,  and  dwell  in  solitude 
and  darkness,  where  no  ray  of  sunlight  or  of 
joy  can  enter. 

"  Send  forth  your  Spirits  to  carry  sorrow  and 
desolation  over  the  happy  earth,  and  win  for 
yourself  the  fear  and  hatred  of  those  who  would 
so  gladly  love  and  reverence  you.  Then  take 
this  glittering  crown,  hard  and  cold  as  your 
own  heart  will  be,  if  you  will  shut  out  all  that 
is  bright  and  beautiful.  Both  are  before  you. 
Choose." 


30  FLOWER    FABLES. 

The  old  King  looked  at  the  little  Fairy,  and 
saw  how  lovingly  the  bright  shadows  gathered 
round  her,  as  if  to  shield  her  from  every  harm  ; 
the  timid  birds  nestled  in  her  bosom,  and  the 
(lowers  grew  fairer  as  she  looked  upon  them ; 
while  her  gentle  friends,  with  tears  in  their 
bright  eyes,  folded  their  hands  beseechingly,  and 
smiled  on  her. 

Kind  thoughts  came  thronging  to  his  mind, 
and  he  turned  to  look  at  the  two  palaces.  Vio- 
let's, so  fair  and  beautiful,  with  its  rustling  trees, 
calm,  sunny  skies,  and  happy  birds  and  flowers, 
all  created  by  her  patient  love  and  care.  His 
own,  so  cold  and  dark  and  dreary,  his  empty 
gardens  where  no  flowers  could  bloom,  no  green 
trees  dwell,  or  gay  birds  sing,  all  desolate  and 
dim ;  —  and  while  he  gazed,  his  own  Spirits, 
casting  off  their  dark  mantles,  knelt  before  him 
and  besought  him  not  to  send  them  forth  to 
blight  the  things  the  gentle  Fairies  loved  so 
much.  "  We  have  served  you  long  and  faith- 
fully," said  they,  "  give  us  now  our  freedom,  that 
we  may  learn  to  be  beloved  by  the  sweet  flow- 
ers we  have  harmed  so  long.  Grant  the  little 
Fairy's  prayer ;  and  let  her  go  back  to  her  own 
dear  home.     She  has  taught  us  that   Love  is 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


31 


mightier  than  Fear.  Choose  the  Flower  crown, 
and  we  will  be  the  truest  subjects  you  have  ever 
had." 

Then,  amid  a  burst  of  wild,  sweet  music,  the 
Frost- King  placed  the  Flower  crown  on  his 
head,  and  knelt  to  little  Violet ;  while  far  and 
near,  over  the  broad  green  earth,  sounded  the 
voices  of  flowers,  singing  their  thanks  to  the 
gentle  Fairy,  and  the  summer  wind  was  laden 
with  perfumes,  which  they  sent  as  tokens  of 
their  gratitude ;  and  wherever  she  went,  old 
trees  bent  down  to  fold  their  slender  branches 
round  her,  flowers  laid  their  soft  faces  against 
her  own,  and  whispered  blessings ;  even  the 
humble  moss  bent  over  the  little  feet,  and  kissed 
them  as  they  passed. 

The  old  King,  surrounded  by  the  happy  Fai- 
ries, sat  in  Violet's  lovely  home,  and  watched  his 
icy  castle  melt  away  beneath  the  bright  sun- 
light ;  while  his  Spirits,  cold  and  gloomy  no 
longer,  danced  with  the  Elves,  and  waited  on 
their  King  with  loving  eagerness.  Brighter  grew 
the  golden  light,  gayer  Sang  the  birds,  and  the 
harmonious  voices  of  grateful  flowers,  sound- 
ing over  the  earth,  carried  new  joy  to  all  their 
gentle  kindred.  ^ 


32  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Brighter  shone  the  golden  shadows  ; 

On  the  cool  wind  softly  came 
The  low,  sweet  tones  of  happy  flowers, 

Singing  little  Violet's  name. 
'Mong  the  green  trees  was  it  whispered, 

And  the  bright  waves  bore  it  on 
To  the  lonely  forest  flowers, 

Where  the  glad  news  had  not  gone. 

Thus  the  Frost-King  lost  his  kingdom, 

And  his  power  to  harm  and  blight. 
Violet  conquered,  and  his  cold  heart 

"Warmed  with  music,  love,  and  light ; 
And  his  fair  home,  once  so  dreary, 

Gay  with  lovely  Elves  and  flowers, 
Brought  a  joy  that  never  faded 

Through  the  long  bright  summer  hours. 

Thus,  by  Violet's  magic  power, 

All  dark  shadows  passed  away, 
And  o'er  the  home  of  happy  flowers 

The  golden  light  for  ever  lay. 
Thus  the  Fairy  mission  ended, 

And  all  Flower-Land  was  taught 
The  "  Power  of  Love,"  by  gentle  deeds 

That  little  Violet  wrought. 

As  Sunny  Lock  ceased,  another  little  Elf  came 
forward ;  and  this  was  the  tale  "  Silver  "Wing " 
told. 


EVA'S   VISIT   TO   FAIRY-LAND. 


Down  among  the  grass  and  fragrant  clover 
lay  little  Eva  by  the  brook-side,  watching  the 
bright  waves,  as  they  went  singing  by  under  the 
drooping  flowers  that  grew  on  its  banks.  As 
she  was  wondering  where  the  waters  went,  she 
heard  a  faint,  low  sound,  as  of  far-off  music. 
She  thought  it  was  the  wind,  but  not  a  leaf 
was  stirring,  and  soon  through  the  rippling 
water  came  a  strange  little  boat. 

It  was  a  lily  of  the  valley,  whose  tall  stem 
formed  the  mast,  while  the  broad  leaves  that 
rose  from  the  roots,  and  drooped  again  till  they 
reached  the  water,  were  filled  with  gay  little 
Elves,  who  danced  to  the  music  of  the  silver 
lily-bells  above,  that  rang  a  merry  peal,  and 
filled  the  air  with  their  fragrant  breath. 


34 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


On  came  the  fairy  boat,  till  it  reached  a 
moss-grown  rock ;  and  here  it  stopped,  while 
the  Fairies  rested  beneath  the  violet-leaves, 
and  sang  with  the  dancing  waves. 

Eva  looked  with  wonder  on  their  gay  faces 
and  bright  garments,  and  in  the  joy  of  her  heart 
sang  too,  and  threw  crimson  fruit  for  the  little 
folks  to  feast  upon. 

They  looked  kindly  on  the  child,  and,  after 
whispering  long  among  themselves,  two  little 
bright-eyed  Elves  flew  over  the  shining  water, 
and,  lighting  on  the  clover-blossoms,  said  gently, 
"  Little  maiden,  many  thanks  for  your  kind- 
ness ;  and  our  Queen  bids  us  ask  if  you  will 
go  with  us  to  Fairy-Land,  and  learn  what  we 
can  teach  you." 

"  Gladly  would  I  go  with  you,  dear  Fairies," 
said  Eva,  "  but  I  cannot  sail  in  your  little  boat. 
See!  I  can  hold  you  in  my  hand,  and  could 
not  live  among  you  without  harming  your  tiny 
kingdom,  I  am   so  large." 

Then  the  Elves  laughed  gayly,  as  they  folded 
their  arms  about  her,  saying,  "  You  are  a 
good  child,  dear  Eva,  to  fear  doing  harm  to 
those  weaker  than  yourself.     You   cannot  hurt 


FLOWER    FABLES.  35 

us  now.  Look  in  the  water  and  see  what  we 
have  done." 

Eva  looked  into  the  brook,  and  saw  a  tiny 
child  standing  between  the  Elves.  "  Now  I 
can  go  with  you,"  said  she,  "but  see,  I  can  no 
longer  step  from  the  bank  to  yonder  stone,  for 
the  brook  seems  now  like  a  great  river,  and 
you  have  not  given  me  wings  like  yours." 

But  the  Fairies  took  each  a  hand,  and  flew 
lightly  over  the  stream.  The  Queen  and  her 
subjects  came  to  meet  her,  and  all  seemed  glad 
to  say  some  kindly  word  of  welcome  to  the 
little  stranger.  They  placed  a  flower-crown 
upon  her  head,  laid  their  soft  faces  against  her 
own,  and  soon  it  seemed  as  if  the  gentle  Elves 
had  always  been  her  friends. 

"  Now  must  we  go  home,"  said  the  Queen, 
"  and  yon  shall  go  with  us,  little  one." 

Then  there  was  a  great  bustle,  as  they  flew 
about  on  shining  wings,  some  laying  cushions 
of  violet  leaves  in  the  boat,  others  folding  the 
Queen's  veil  and  mantle  more  closely  round 
her,  lest  the  falling  dews  should  chill  her. 

The  cool  waves'  gentle  plashing  against  the 
boat,  and  the  sweet  chime  of  the  lily-bells,  lulled 


36  FLOWER    FABLES. 

little  Eva  to  sleep,  and  when  she  woke  it  was 
in  Fairy-Land.  A  faint,  rosy  light,  as  of  the 
setting  sun,  shone  on  the  white  pillars  of  the 
Queen's  palace  as  they  passed  in,  and  the  sleep- 
ing flowers  leaned  gracefully  on  their  stems, 
dreaming  beneath  their  soft  green  curtains.  All 
was  cool  and  still,  and  the  Elves  glided  silently 
about,  lest  they  should  break  their  slumbers. 
They  led  Eva  to  a  bed  of  pure  white  leaves, 
above  which  drooped  the  fragrant  petals  of  a 
crimson  rose. 

"  You  can  look  at  the  bright  colors  till  the 
light  fades,  and  then  the  rose  will  sing  you  to 
sleep,"  said  the  Elves,  as  they  folded  the  soft 
leaves  about  her,  gently  kissed  her,  and  stole 
away. 

Long  she  lay  watching  the  bright  shadows, 
and  listening  to  the  song  of  the  rose,  while 
through  the  long  night  dreams  of  lovely  things 
floated  like  bright  clouds  through  her  mind ; 
while  the  rose  bent  lovingly  above  her,  and  sang 
in  the  clear  moonlight. 

With  the  sun  rose  the  Fairies,  and,  with 
Eva,  hastened  away  to  the  fountain,  whose 
cool  waters  were  soon   filled  with  little  forms, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  37 

and  the  air  ringing  with  happy  voices,  as  the 
Elves  floated  in  the  blue  waves  among  the 
fair  white  lilies,  or  sat  on  the  green  moss, 
smoothing  their  bright  locks,  and  wearing  fresh 
garlands  of  dewy  flowers.  At  length  the  Queen 
came  forth,  and  her  subjects  gathered  round 
her,  and  while  the  flowers  bowed  their  heads, 
and  the  trees  hushed  their  rustling,  the  Fairies 
sang  their  morning  hymn  to  the  Father  of  birds 
and  blossoms,  who  had  made  the  earth  so  fair 
a  home  for  them. 

Then  they  flew  away  to  the  gardens,  and 
soon,  high  up  among  the  tree-tops,  or  under 
the  broad  leaves,  sat  the  Elves  in  little  groups, 
taking  their  breakfast  of  fruit  and  pure  fresh 
dew ;  while  the  bright-winged  birds  came  fear- 
lessly among  them,  pecking  the  same  ripe  berries, 
and  dipping  their  little  beaks  in  the  same  flower- 
cups,  and  the  Fairies  folded  their  arms  lovingly 
about  them,  smoothed  their  soft  bosoms,  and 
gayly  sang  to  them. 

"  Now,  little  Eva,"  said  they,  "  you  will  see 
that  Fairies  are  not  idle,  wilful  Spirits,  as  mor- 
tals believe.  Come,  we  will  show  you  what 
we  do." 


38 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


They  led  her  to  a  lovely  room,  through  whose 
walls  of  deep  green  leaves  the  light  stole  softly 
in.  Here  lay  many  wounded  insects,  and  harm- 
less little  creatures,  whom  cruel  hands  had  hurt ; 
and  pale,  drooping  flowers  grew  beside  urns  of 
healing  herbs,  from  whose  fresh  leaves  came 
a  faint,  sweet  perfume. 

Eva  wondered,  but  silently  followed  her  guide, 
little  Rose-Leaf,  who  with  tender  words  passed 
among  the  delicate  blossoms,  pouring  dew  on 
their  feeble  roots,  cheering  them  with  her  loving 
words  and  happy  smile. 

Then  she  went  to  the  insects  ;  first  to  a  little 
fly  who  lay  in  a  flower-leaf  cradle. 

"  Do  you  suffer  much,  dear  Gauzy- Wing  ?  " 
asked  the  Fairy.  "  I  will  bind  up  your  poor 
little  leg,  and  Zephyr  shall  rock  you  to  sleep." 
So  she  folded  the  cool  leaves  tenderly  about 
the  poor  fly,  bathed  his  wings,  and  brought 
him  refreshing  drink,  while  he  hummed  his 
thanks,  and  forgot  his  pain,  as  Zephyr  softly 
sung  and  fanned  him  with  her  waving  wings. 

They  passed  on,  and  Eva  saw  beside  each 
bed  a  Fairy,  who  with  gentle  hands  and  loving 
words  soothed  the  suffering  insects.     At  length 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


39 


they  stopped  beside  a  bee,  who  lay  among  sweet 
honeysuckle  flowers,  in  a  cool,  still  place,  where 
the  summer  wind  blew  in,  and  the  green  leaves 
rustled  pleasantly.  Yet  he  seemed  to  find  no 
rest,  and  murmured  of  the  pain  he  was  doomed 
to  bear.  "  Why  must  I  lie  here,  while  my  kin- 
dred are  out  in  the  pleasant  fields,  enjoying  the 
sunlight  and  the  fresh  air,  and  cruel  hands  have 
doomed  me  to  this  dark  place  and  bitter  pain 
when  I  have  done  no  wrong  ?  Uncared  for 
and  forgotten,  I  must  stay  here  among  these 
poor  things  who  think  only  of  themselves. 
Come  here,  Rose-Leaf,  and  bind  up  my  wounds, 
for  I  am  far  more  useful  than  idle  bird  or  fly." 

Then  said  the  Fairy,  while  she  bathed  the 
broken  wing,  — 

"  Love-Blossom,  you  should  not  murmur.  We 
may  find  happiness  in  seeking  to  be  patient  even 
while  we  suffer.  You  are  not  forgotten  or  un- 
cared for,  but  others  need  our  care  more  than 
you,  and  to  those  who  take  cheerfully  the  pain 
and  sorrow  sent,  do  we  most  gladly  give  our  help. 
You  need  not  be  idle,  even  though  lying  here  in 
darkness  and  sorrow ;  you  can  be  taking  from 
your   heart   all   sad   and   discontented   feelings, 


40  FLOWER    FABLES. 

and  if  love  and  patience  blossom  there,  you 
will  be  better  for  the  lonely  hours  spent  here. 
Look  on  the  bed  beside  you ;  this  little  dove 
has  suffered  far  greater  pain  than  you,  and  all 
our  care  can  never  ease  it ;  yet  through  the 
long  days  he  hath  lain  here,  not  an  unkind 
word  or  a  repining  sigh  hath  he  uttered.  Ah, 
Love-Blossom,  the  gentle  bird  can  teach  a 
lesson  you  will  be  wiser  and  better  for." 

Then  a  faint  voice  whispered,  "  Little  Rose- 
Leaf,  come  quickly,  or  I  cannot  thank  you  as 
I  ought  for  all  your  loving  care   of  me." 

So  they  passed  to  the  bed  beside  the  discon- 
tented bee,  and  here  upon  the  softest  down  lay  the 
dove,  whose  gentle  eyes  looked  gratefully  upon 
the  Fairy,  as  she  knelt  beside  the  little  couch, 
smoothed  the  soft  white  bosom,  folded  her  arms 
about  it  and  wept  sorrowing  tears,  while  the 
bird  still  whispered  its  gratitude  and  love. 

"  Dear  Fairy,  the  fairest  flowers  have  cheered 
me  with  their  sweet  breath,  fresh  dew  and  fra- 
grant leaves  have  been  ever  ready  for  me,  gentle 
hands  to  tend,  kindly  hearts  to  love  ;  and  for 
this  I  can  only  thank  you   and  say   farewell." 

Then  the  quivering  wings  were  still,  and  the 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


41 


patient  little  dove  was  dead ;  but  the  bee  mur- 
mured no  longer,  and  the  dew  from  the  flowers 
fell  like  tears  around  the  quiet  bed. 

Sadly  Rose-Leaf  led  Eva  away,  saying,  "  Lily- 
Bosom  shall  have  a  grave  to-night  beneath  our 
fairest  blossoms,  and  you  shall  see  that  gentle- 
ness and  love  are  prized  far  above  gold  or 
beauty,  here  in  Fairy- Land.  Come  now  to  the 
Flower  Palace,  and  see  the  Fairy   Court." 

Beneath  green  arches,  bright  with  birds  and 
flowers,  beside  singing  waves,  went  Eva  into 
a  lofty  hall.  The  roof  of  pure  white  lilies  rested 
on  pillars  of  green  clustering  vines,  while  many- 
colored  blossoms  threw  their  bright  shadows  on 
the  walls,  as  they  danced  below  in  the  deep 
green  moss,  and  their  low,  sweet  voices  sound- 
ed softly  through  the  sunlit  palace,  while  the 
rustling  leaves  kept  time. 

Beside  the  throne  stood  Eva,  and  watched 
the  lovely  forms  around  her,  as  they  stood,  each 
little  band  in  its  own  color,  with  glistening 
wings,  and  flower  wands. 

Suddenly  the  music  grew  louder  and  sweeter, 
and  the  Fairies  knelt,  and  bowed  their  heads, 
as    on    through   the   crowd   of   loving    subjects 


42  FLOWER    FABLES. 

came  the  Queen,  while  the  air  was  filled  with 
gay  voices   singing  to  welcome  her. 

She  placed  the  child  beside  her,  saying,  "  Little 
Eva,  you  shall  see  now  how  the  flowers  on  your 
great  earth  bloom  so  brightly.  A  band  of  loving 
little  gardeners  go  daily  forth  from  Fairy-Land, 
to  tend  and  watch  them,  that  no  harm  may  be- 
fall the  gentle  spirits  that  dwell  beneath  their 
leaves.  This  is  never  known,  for  like  all  good 
it  is  unseen  by  mortal  eyes,  and  unto  only  pure 
hearts  like  yours  do  we  make  known  our  secret. 
The  humblest  flower  that  grows  is  visited  by 
our  messengers,  and  often  blooms  in  fragrant 
beauty,  unknown,  unloved  by  all  save  Fairy 
friends,  who  seek  to  fill  the  spirits  with  all 
sweet  and  gentle  virtues,  that  they  may  not 
be  useless  on  the  earth  ;  for  the  noblest  mortals 
stoop  to  learn  of  flowers.  Now,  Eglantine,  what 
have  you  to  tell  us  of  your  rosy  namesakes  on 
the  earth  ?  " 

From  a  group  of  Elves,  whose  rose-wreathed 
wands  showed  the  flower  they  loved,  came  one 
bearing  a  tiny  urn,  and,  answering  the  Queen, 
she  said, — 

"  Over  hill  and  valley  they  are  blooming  fresh 


FLOWER    FABLES.  43 

and  fair  as  summer  sun  and  dew  can  make 
them.  No  drooping  stem  or  withered  leaf  tells 
of  any  evil  thought  within  their  fragrant  bosoms, 
and  thus  from  the  fairest  of  their  race  have  they 
gathered  this  sweet  dew,  as  a  token  of  their 
gratitude  to  one  whose  tenderness  and  care 
have  kept  them  pure  and  happy  ;  and  this,  the 
loveliest  of  their  sisters,  have  I  brought  to  place 
among  the  Fairy  flowers  that  never  pass  away." 

Eglantine  laid  the  urn  before  the  Queen,  and 
placed  the  fragrant  rose  on  the  dewy  moss  be- 
side the  throne,  while  a  murmur  of  approval 
went  through  the  hall,  as  each  elfin  wand  waved 
to  the  little  Fairy  who  had  toiled  so  well  and 
faithfully,  and  could  bring  so  fair  a  gift  to  their 
good  Queen. 

Then  came  forth  an  Elf  bearing  a  withered 
leaf,  while  her  many-colored  robe  and  the  pur- 
ple tulips  in  her  hair  told  her  name  and  charge. 

"  Dear  Queen,"  she  sadly  said,  "  I  would 
gladly  bring  as  pleasant  tidings  as  my  sister, 
but,  alas !  my  flowers  are  proud  and  wilful,  and 
when  I  went  to  gather  my  little  gift  of  colored 
leaves  for  royal  garments,  they  bade  me  bring 
this  withered  blossom,  and  tell  you  they  would 


44 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


serve  no  longer  one  who  will  not  make  them 
Queen  over  all  the  other  flowers.  They  would 
yield  neither  dew  nor  honey,  but  proudly  closed 
their  leaves   and  bid  me  go." 

"  Your  task  has  been  too  hard  for  you,"  said 
the  Queen  kindly,  as  she  placed  the  drooping 
flower  in  the  urn  Eglantine  had  given,  "  you 
will  see  how  this  dew  from  a  sweet,  pure  heart 
will  give  new  life  and  loveliness  even  to  this 
poor  faded  one.  So  can  you,  dear  Rainbow, 
by  loving  words  and  gentle  teachings,  bring 
back  lost  purity  and  peace  to  those  whom  pride 
and  selfishness  have  blighted.  Go  once  again 
to  the  proud  flowers,  and  tell  them  when  they 
are  queen  of  their  own  hearts  they' will  ask  no 
fairer  kingdom.  Watch  more  tenderly  than 
ever  over  them,  see  that  they  lack  neither  dew 
nor  air,  speak  lovingly  to  them,  and  let  no 
unkind  word  or  deed  of  theirs  anger  you.  Let 
them  see  by  your  patient  love  and  care  how 
much  fairer  they  might  be,  and  when  next  you 
come,  you  will  be  laden  with  gifts  from  hum- 
ble, loving  flowers." 

Thus  they  told  what  they  had  done,  and  re- 
ceived from  their  Queen  some  gentle  chiding 
or  loving  word  of  praise. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  45 

"  You  will  be  weary  of  this,"  said  little  Rose- 
Leaf  to  Eva  ;  "  come  now  and  see  where  we  are 
taught  to  read  the  tales  written  on  flower-leaves, 
and  the  sweet  language  of  the  birds,  and  all  that 
can  make  a  Fairy  heart  wiser  and  better." 

Then  into  a  cheerful  place  they  went,  where 
were  many  groups  of  flowers,  among  whose 
leaves  sat  the  child  Elves,  and  learned  from 
their  flower-books  all  that  Fairy  hands  had 
written  there.  Some  studied  how  to  watch  the 
tender  buds,  when  to  spread  them  to  the  sun- 
light, and  when  to  shelter  them  from  rain ;  how 
to  guard  the  ripening  seeds,  and  when  to  lay 
them  in  the  warm  earth  or  send  them  on  the 
summer  wind  to  far  off  hills  and  valleys,  where 
other  Fairy  hands  would  tend  and  cherish  them, 
till  a  sisterhood  of  happy  flowers  sprang  up  to 
beautify  and  gladden  the  lonely  spot  where  they 
had  fallen.  Others  learned  to  heal  the  wounded 
insects,  whose  frail  limbs  a  breeze  could  shatter, 
and  who,  were  it  not  for  Fairy  hands,  would 
die  ere  half  their  happy  summer  life  had  gone. 
Some  learned  how  by  pleasant  dreams  to  cheer 
and  comfort  mortal  hearts,  by  whispered  words 
of  love  to  save  from  evil  deeds  those  who  had 


46 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


gone  astray,  to  fill  young  hearts  with  gentle 
thoughts  and  pure  affections,  that  no  sin  might 
mar  the  beauty  of  the  human  flower ;  while 
others,  like  mortal  children,  learned  the  Fairy 
alphabet.  Thus  the  Elves  made  loving  friends 
by  care  and  love,  and  no  evil  thing  could  harm 
them,  for  those  they  helped  to  cherish  and  pro- 
tect ever  watched  to  shield  and  save  them. 

Eva  nodded  to  the  gay  little  ones,  as  they 
peeped  from  among  the  leaves  at  the  stranger, 
and  then  she  listened  to  the  Fairy  lessons. 
Several  tiny  Elves  stood  on  a  broad  leaf  while 
the  teacher  sat  among  the  petals  of  a  flower 
that  bent  beside  them,  and  asked  questions 
that  none  but  Fairies  would  care  to  know. 

"  Twinkle,  if  there  lay  nine  seeds  within  a 
flower-cup  and  the  wind  bore  five  away,  how 
many   would  the  blossom  have  ?  " 

"  Four,"  replied  the  little  one. 

"  Rosebud,  if  a  Cowslip  opens  three  leaves 
in  one  day  and  four  the  next,  how  many  rosy 
leaves  will  there  be  when  the  whole  flower  has 
bloomed  ?  " 

"  Seven,"  sang  the  gay  little  Elf. 

"  Harebell,  if  a  silkworm    spin   one   yard   of 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


47 


Fairy  cloth  in  an  hour,  how  many  will  it  spin 
in  a  day  ?  " 

"  Twelve,"  said  the   Fairy  child. 

"  Primrose,  where  lies  Violet   Island  ?  " 

"  In  the   Lake  of  Ripples." 

"  Lilla,  you  may  bound   Rose   Land." 

"  On  the  north  by  Femdale,  south  by  Sunny 
Wave  River,  east  by  the  hill  of  Morning  Clouds, 
and  west  by  the  Evening   Star." 

"  Now,  little  ones,"  said  the  teacher,  "  you 
may  go  to  your  painting,  that  our  visitor  may 
see  how  we  repair  the  flowers  that  earthly 
hands  have  injured." 

Then  Eva  saw  how,  on  large,  white  leaves, 
the  Fairies  learned  to  imitate  the  lovely  colors, 
and  with  tiny  brushes  to  brighten  the  blush  on 
the  anemone's  cheek,  to  deepen  the  blue  of  the 
violet's  eye,  and  add  new  light  to  the  golden 
cowslip. 

"  You  have  stayed  long  enough,"  said  the 
Elves  at  length,  "  we  have  many  things  to  show 
you.  Come  now  and  see  what  is  our  dearest 
work." 

So  Eva  said  farewell  to  the  child  Elves,  and 
hastened  with  little  Rose-Leaf  to  the  gates. 
4 


48  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Here  she  saw  many  bands  of  Fairies,  folded 
in  dark  mantles  that  mortals  might  not  know 
them,  who,  with  the  child  among  them,  flew 
away  over  hill  and  valley.  Some  went  to  the 
cottages  amid  the  hills,  some  to  the  sea-side  to 
watch  above  the  humble  fisher  folks  ;  but  little 
Rose-Leaf  and  many  others  went  into  the  noisy 
city. 

Eva  wondered  within  herself  what  good  the 
tiny  Elves  could  do  in  this  great  place ;  but 
she  soon  learned,  for  the  Fairy  band  went 
among  the  poor  and  friendless,  bringing  pleas- 
ant dreams  to  the  sick  and  old,  sweet,  tender 
thoughts  of  love  and  gentleness  to  the  young, 
strength  to  the  weak,  and  patient  cheerfulness 
to  the  poor  and  lonely. 

Then  the  child  wondered  no  longer,  but  deeper 
grew  her  love  for  the  tender-hearted  Elves,  who 
left  their  own  happy  home  to  cheer  and  com- 
fort those  who  never  knew  what  hands  had 
clothed  and  fed  them,  what  hearts  had  given 
of  their  own  joy,  and  brought  such  happiness 
to  theirs. 

Long  they  stayed,  and  many  a  lesson  little 
Eva   learned ;   but   when    she   begged   them   to 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


49 


go  back,  they  still  led  her  on,  saying,  "  Our 
work  is  not  yet  done ;  shall  we  leave  so  many 
sad  hearts  when  we  may  cheer  them,  so  many 
dark  homes  that  we  may  brighten  ?  We  must 
stay  yet  longer,  little  Eva,  and  you  may  learn 
yet  more." 

Then  they  went  into  a  dark  and  lonely  room, 
and  here  they  found  a  pale,  sad-eyed  child,  who 
wept  bitter  tears   over  a  faded  flower. 

"  Ah,"  sighed  the  little  one,  "  it  was  my  only 
friend,  and  I  cherished  it  with  all  my  lone  heart's 
love ;  't  was  all  that  made  my  sad  life  happy ; 
and  it  is  gone." 

Tenderly  the  child  fastened  the  drooping  stem, 
and  placed  it  where  the  one  faint  ray  of  sun- 
light stole  into  the  dreary  room. 

"  Do  you  see,"  said  the  Elves,  "  through  this 
simple  flower  will  we  keep  the  child  pure  and 
stainless  amid  the  sin  and  sorrow  around  her. 
The  love  of  this  shall  lead  her  on  through 
temptation  and  through  grief,  and  she  shall  be 
a  spirit  of  joy  and  consolation  to  the  sinful 
and  the  sorrowing." 

And  with  busy  love  toiled  the  Elves  amid 
the  withered  leaves,  and  new  strength  was  given 


50  FLOWER    FABLES. 

to  the  flower ;  while,  as  day  by  day  the  friend- 
less child  watched  the  growing  buds,  deeper 
grew  her  love  for  the  unseen  friends  who  had 
given  her  one  thing  to  cherish  in  her  lonely 
home;  sweet,  gentle  thoughts  filled  her  heart 
as  she  bent  above  it,  and  the  blossom's  fragrant 
breath  was  to  her  a  whispered  voice  of  all  fair 
and  lovely  things ;  and  as  the  flower  taught 
her,   so   she  taught  others. 

The  loving  Elves  brought  her  sweet  dreams 
by  night,  and  happy  thoughts  by  day,  and  as 
she  grew  in  childlike  beauty,  pure  and  patient 
amid  poverty  and  sorrow,  the  sinful  were  re- 
buked, sorrowing  hearts  grew  light,  and  the 
weak  and  selfish  forgot  their  idle  fears,  when 
they  saw  her  trustingly  live  on  with  none  to 
aid  or  comfort  her.  The  love  she  bore  the 
tender  flower  kept  her  own  heart  innocent  and 
bright,  and  the  pure  human  flower  was  a  lesson 
to  those  who  looked  upon  it ;  and  soon  the 
gloomy  house  was  bright  with  happy  hearts, 
that  learned  of  the  gentle  child  to  bear  poverty 
and  grief  as  she  had  done,  to  forgive  those  who 
brought  care  and  wrong  to  them,  and  to  seek 
for  happiness  in  humble  deeds  of  charity  and 
love. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  51 

"  Our  work  is  done,"  whispered  the  Elves,  and 
with  blessings  on  the  two  fair  flowers,  they  flew 
away  to  other  homes ;  —  to  a  blind  old  man 
who  dwelt  alone  with  none  to  love  him,  till 
through  long  years  of  darkness  and  of  silent 
sorrow  the  heart  within  had  grown  dim  and 
cold.  No  sunlight  could  enter  at  the  darkened 
eyes,  and  none  were  near  to  whisper  gentle 
words,  to  cheer  and  comfort. 

Thus  he  dwelt  forgotten  and  alone,  seeking 
to  give  no  joy  to  others,  possessing  none  him- 
self. Life  was  dark  and  sad  till  the  untiring 
Elves  came  to  his  dreary  home,  bringing  sun- 
light and  love.  They  whispered  sweet  words  of 
comfort,  —  how,  if  the  darkened  eyes  could  find 
no  light  without,  within  there  might  be  never- 
failing  happiness ;  gentle  feelings  and  sweet, 
loving  thoughts  could  make  the  heart  fair,  if 
the  gloomy,  selfish  sorrow  were  but  cast  away, 
and  all  would  be  bright  and  beautiful. 

They  brought  light-hearted  children,  who 
gathered  round  him,  making  the  desolate  home 
fair  with  their  young  faces,  and  his  sad  heart 
gay  with  their  sweet,  childish  voices.  The  love 
they   bore    he    could    not    cast   away,   sunlight 


52  FLOWER    FABLES. 

stole  in,  the  dark  thoughts  passed  away,  and 
the  eartli  was  a  pleasant  home  to  him. 

Thus  their  little  hands  led  him  back  to  peace 
and  happiness,  flowers  bloomed  beside  his  door, 
and  their  fragrant  breath  brought  happy  thoughts 
of  pleasant  valleys  and  green  hills  ;  birds  sang 
to  him,  and  their  sweet  voices  woke  the  music 
in  his  own  soul,  that  never  failed  to  calm  and 
comfort.  Happy  sounds  were  heard  in  his  once 
lonely  home,  and  bright  faces  gathered  round 
his  knee,  and  listened  tenderly  while  he  strove 
to  tell  them  all  the  good  that  gentleness  and 
love  had  done  for  him. 

Still  the  Elves  watched  near,  and  brighter 
grew  the  heart  as  kindly  thoughts  and  tender 
feelings  entered  in,  and  made  it  their  home ;  and 
when  the  old  man  fell  asleep,  above  his  grave 
little  feet  trod  lightly,  and  loving  hands  laid 
fragrant  flowers. 

Then  went  the  Elves  into  the  dreary  prison- 
houses,  where  sad  hearts  pined  in  lonely  sorrow 
for  the  joy  and  freedom  they  had  lost.  To 
these  came  the  loving  band  with  tender  words, 
telling  of  the  peace  they  yet  might  win  by 
patient  striving  and  repentant  tears,  thus  waking 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


53 


in  their  bosoms  all  the  holy  feelings  and  sweet 
affections  that  had  slept  so  long. 

They  told  pleasant  tales,  and  sang  their  sweet- 
est songs  to  cheer  and  gladden,  while  the  dim 
cells  grew  bright  with  the  sunlight,  and  fra- 
grant with  the  flowers  the  loving  Elves  had 
brought,  and  by  their  gentle  teachings  those 
sad,  despairing  hearts  were  filled  with  patient 
hope  and  earnest  longing  to  win  back  their  lost 
innocence  and  joy. 

Thus  to  all  who  needed  help  or  comfort  went 
the  faithful  Fairies  ;  and  when  at  length  they 
turned  towards  Fairy-Land,  many  were  the 
grateful,  happy  hearts  they  left  behind. 

Then  through  the  summer  sky,  above  the 
blossoming  earth,  they  journeyed  home,  happier 
for  the  joy  they  had  given,  wiser  for  the  good 
they  had  done. 

All  Fairy-Land  was  dressed  in  flowers,  and 
the  soft  wind  went  singing  by,  laden  with  their 
fragrant  breath.  Sweet  music  sounded  through 
the  air,  and  troops  of  Elves  in  their  gayest  robes 
hastened  to  the  palace  where  the  feast  was 
spread. 

Soon  the  bright  hall  was  filled  with  smiling 


54  FLOWER    FABLES. 

faces  and  fair  forms,  and  little  Eva,  as  she  stood 
beside  the  Queen,  thought  she  had  never  seen 
a  sight  so  lovely. 

The  many-colored  shadows  of  the  fairest 
flowers  played  on  the  pure  white  walls,  and 
fountains  sparkled  in  the  sunlight,  making  music 
as  the  cool  waves  rose  and  fell,  while  to  and 
fro,  with  waving  wings  and  joyous  voices,  went 
the  smiling  Elves,  bearing  fruit  and  honey,  or 
fragrant  garlands  for  each  other's  hair. 

Long  they  feasted,  gayly  they  sang,  and  Eva, 
dancing  merrily  among  them,  longed  to  be  an 
Elf  that  she  might  dwell  for  ever  in  so  fair  a 
home. 

At  length  the  music  ceased,  and  the  Queen 
said,  as  she  laid  her  hand  on  little  Eva's  shining 
hair :  — 

"  Dear  child,  to-morrow  we  must  bear  you 
home,  for,  much  as  we  long  to  keep  you,  it  were 
wrong  to  bring  such  sorrow  to  your  loving  earth- 
ly friends  ;  therefore  we  will  guide  you  to  the 
brook-side,  and  there  say  farewell  till  you  come 
again  to  visit  us.  Nay,  do  not  weep,  dear  Rose- 
Leaf;  you  shall  watch  over  little  Eva's  flowers, 
and  when  she  looks  at  them  she  will  think  of 


FLOWER    FABLES.  55 

you.  Come  now  and  lead  her  to  the  Fairy 
garden,  and  show  her  what  we  think  our  fairest 
sight.  Weep  no  more,  but  strive  to  make  her 
last  hours  with  us  happy  as  you  can." 

With  gentle  caresses  and  most  tender  words 
the  loving  Elves  gathered  about  the  child,  and, 
with  Rose-Leaf  by  her  side,  they  led  her  through 
the  palace,  and  along  green,  winding  paths,  till 
Eva  saw  what  seemed  a  wall  of  flowers  rising 
before  her,  while  the  air  was  filled  with  the 
most  fragrant  odors,  and  the  low,  sweet  music 
as  of  singing  blossoms. 

"  Where  have  you  brought  me,  and  what 
mean  these  lovely   sounds  ?  "  asked   Eva. 

"  Look  here,  and  you  shall  see,"  said  Rose- 
Leaf,  as  she  bent  aside  the  vines,  "  but  listen 
silently  or  you  cannot  hear." 

Then  Eva,  looking  through  the  drooping  vines, 
beheld  a  garden  filled  with  the  loveliest  flowers  ; 
fair  as  were  all  the  blossoms  she  had  seen  in 
Fairy-Land,  none  were  so  beautiful  as  these. 
The  rose  glowed  with  a  deeper  crimson,  the 
lily's  soft  leaves  were  more  purely  white,  the 
crocus  and  humble  cowslip  shone  like  sunlight, 
and  the  violet  was  blue  as  the  sky  that  smiled 
above  it. 


56 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


"  How  beautiful  they  are,"  whispered  Eva, 
"  but,  dear  Rose-Leaf,  why  do  you  keep  them 
here,  and  why  call  you  this  your  fairest  sight  ?  " 

"  Look  again,  and  I  will  tell  you,"  answered 
the  Fairy. 

Eva  looked,  and  saw  from  every  flower  a 
tiny  form  come  forth  to  welcome  the  Elves, 
who  all,  save  Rose- Leaf,  had  flown  above  the 
wall,  and  were  now  scattering  dew  upon  the 
flowers'  bright  leaves  and  talking  gayly  with 
the  Spirits,  who  gathered  around  them,  and 
seemed  full  of  joy  that  they  had  come.  The 
child  saw  that  each  one  wore  the  colors  of  the 
flower  that  was  its  home.  Delicate  and  grace- 
ful were  the  little  forms,  bright  the  silken  hair 
that  fell  about  each  lovely  face ;  and  Eva  heard 
the  low,  sweet  murmur  of  their  silvery  voices 
and  the  rustle  of  their  wings.  She  gazed  in 
silent  wonder,  forgetting  she  knew  not  who  they 
were,  till  the  Fairy  said, — 

"  These  are  the  spirits  of  the  flowers,  and 
this  the  Fairy  Home  where  those  whose  hearts 
were  pure  and  loving  on  the  earth  come  to 
bloom  in  fadeless  beauty  here,  when  their  earthly 
life  is  past.     The  humblest  flower  that  blooms 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


57 


has  a  home  with  us,  for  outward  beauty  is  a 
worthless  thing  if  all  be  not  fair  and  sweet 
within.  Do  you  see  yonder  lovely  spirit  singing 
with  my  sister  Moonlight?  a  clover  blossom 
was  her  home,  and  she  dwelt  unknown,  unloved ; 
yet  patient  and  content,  bearing  cheerfully  the 
sorrows  sent  her.  We  watched  and  saw  how 
fair  and  sweet  the  humble  flower  grew,  and 
then  gladly  bore  her  here,  to  blossom  with  the 
lily  and  the  rose.  The  flowers'  lives  are  often 
short,  for  cruel  hands  destroy  them  ;  therefore 
is  it  our  greatest  joy  to  bring  them  hither,  where 
no  careless  foot  or  wintry'  wind  can  harm 
them,  where  they  bloom  in  quiet  beauty,  re- 
paying our  care  by  their  love  and  sweetest  per- 
fumes." 

"  I  will  never  break  another  flower,"  cried 
Eva  ;  "  but  let  me  go  to  them,  dear  Fairy  ;  I 
would  gladly  know  the  lovely  spirits,  and  ask 
forgiveness  for  the  sorrow  I  have  caused.  May 
I  not  go  in  ?  " 

"  Nay,  dear  Eva,  you  are  a  mortal  child,  and 
cannot  enter  here  ;  but  I  will  tell  them  of  the 
kind  little  maiden  who  has  learned  to  love  them, 
and  they  will  remember  you  when  you  are  gone. 


58  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Come  now,  for  you  have  seen  enough,  and  we 
must  be  away." 

On  a  rosy  morning  cloud,  surrounded  by  the 
loving  Elves,  went  Eva  through  the  sunny  sky. 
The  fresh  wind  bore  them  gently  on,  and  soon 
they  stood  again  beside  the  brook,  whose  waves 
danced  brightly  as  if  to   welcome  them. 

"  Now,  ere  we  say  farewell,"  said  the  Queen, 
as  they  gathered  nearer  to  the  child,  "tell  me, 
dear  Eva,  what  among  all  our  Fairy  gifts  will 
make  you  happiest,  and  it  shall  be  yours." 

"  You  good  little  Fairies,"  said  Eva,  folding 
them  in  her  arms,  for  she  was  no  longer  the 
tiny  child  she  had  been  in  Fairy-Land,  "  you 
dear  good  little  Elves,  what  can  I  ask  of  you, 
who  have  done  so  much  to  make  me  happy, 
and  taught  me  so  many  good  and  gentle  lessons, 
the  memory  of  which  will  never  pass  away  ?  I 
can  only  ask  of  you  the  power  to  be  as  pure 
and  gentle  as  yourselves,  as  tender  and  loving 
to  the  weak  and  sorrowing,  as  untiring  in  kindly 
deeds  to  all.  Grant  me  this  gift,  and  you  shall 
see  that  little  Eva  has  not  forgotten  what  you 
have  taught  her." 

"  The  power  shall  be  yours,"  said  the  Elves, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  59 

and  laid  their  soft  hands  on  her  head ;  we  will 
watch  over  you  in  dreams,  and  when  you  would 
have  tidings  of  us,  ask  the  flowers  in  your 
garden,  and  they  will  tell  you  all  you  would 
know.  Farewell.  Remember  Fairy-Land  and 
all  your  loving  friends." 

They  clung  about  her  tenderly,  and  little 
Rose-Leaf  placed  a  flower  crown  on  her  head, 
whispering  softly,  "  When  you  would  come 
to  us  again,  stand  by  the  brook-side  and  wave 
this  in  the  air,  and  we  will  gladly  take  you 
to  our  home  again.  Farewell,  dear  Eva. 
Think  of  your  little  Rose-Leaf  when  among  the 
flowers." 

Long  Eva  watched  their  shining  wings,  and 
listened  to  the  music  of  their  voices  as  they 
flew  singing  home,  and  when  at  length  the  last 
little  form  had  vanished  among  the  clouds,  she 
saw  that  all  around  her  where  the  Elves  had 
been,  the  fairest  flowers  had  sprung  up,  and 
the  lonely  brook-side  was  a  blooming  garden. 

Thus  she  stood  among  the  waving  blossoms, 
with  the  Fairy  garland  in  her  hair,  and  happy 
feelings  in  her  heart,  better  and  wiser  for  her 
visit  to   Fairy-Land. 


60  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Now,  Star- Twinkle,  what  have  you  to 
teach  ?  "  asked  the   Queen. 

"  Nothing  but  a  little  song  I  heard  the  hare- 
bells singing,"  replied  the  Fairy,  and,  taking  her 
harp,  sang,  in  a  low,  sweet  voice :  — 


THE    FLOWER'S    LESSON. 


Tiiere  grew  a  fragrant  rose-tree  where  the  brook  flows, 

With  two  little  tender  buds,  and  one  full  rose ; 

When  the  sun  went  down  to  his  bed  in  the  west, 

The  little  buds  leaned  on  the  rose-mother's  breast, 

While  the  bright  eyed  stars  their  long  watch  kept, 

And  the  flowers  of  the  valley  in  their  green  cradles  slept ; 

Then  silently  in  odors  they  communed  with  each  other, 

The  two  little  buds  on  the  bosom  of  their  mother. 

"  0  sister,"  said  the  little  one,  as  she  gazed  at  the  sky, 

u  I  wish  that  the  Dew  Elves,  as  they  wander  lightly  by, 

Would  bring  me  a  star ;  for  they  never  grow  dim, 

And  the  Father  does  not  need  them  to  burn  round  him. 

The  shining  drops  of  dew  the  Elves  bring  each  day 

And  place  in  my  bosom,  so  soon  pass  away; 

But  a  star  would  glitter  brightly  through  the  long  summer  hours, 

And  I  should  be  fairer  than  all  my  sister  flowers. 

That  were  better  far  than  the  dew-drops  that  fall 

On  the  high  and  the  low,  and  come  alike  to  all. 

I  would  be  fair  and  stately,  with  a  bright  star  to  shine 

And  give  a  queenly  air  to  this  crimson  robe  of  mine." 

And  proudly  she  cried,  "  These  fire-flies  shall  be 

My  jewels,  since  the  stars  can  never  come  to  me." 


62  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Just  then  a  tiny  dew-drop  that  hung  o'er  the  dell 

On  the  breast  of  the  bud  like  a  soft  star  fell ; 

But  impatiently  she  flung  it  away  from  her  leaf, 

And  it  fell  on  her  mother  like  a  tear  of  grief, 

While  she  folded  to  her  breast,  with  wilful  pride, 

A  glittering  fire-fly  that  hung  by  her  side. 

"  Heed,"  said  the  mother  rose,  "  daughter  mine, 

Why  shouldst  thou  seek  for  beauty  not  thine  1 

The  Father  hath  made  thee  what  thou  now  art ; 

And  what  he  most  loveth  is  a  sweet,  pure  heart. 

Then  why  dost  thou  take  with  such  discontent 

The  loving  gift  which  he  to  thee  hath  sent  ? 

For  the  cool  fresh  dew  will  render  thee  far 

More  lovely  and  sweet  than  the  brightest  star ; 

They  were  made  for  Heaven,  and  can  never  come  to  shine 

Like  the  fire-fly  thou  hast  in  that  foolish  breast  of  thine. 

O  my  foolish  little  bud,  do  listen  to  thy  mother ; 

Care  only  for  true  beauty,  and  seek  for  no  other. 

There  will  be  grief  and  trouble  in  that  wilful  little  heart ; 

Unfold  thy  leaves,  my  daughter,  and  let  the  fly  depart." 

But  the  proud  little  bud  would  have  her  own  will, 

And  folded  the  fire-fly  more  closely  still ; 

Till  the  struggling  insect  tore  open  the  vest 

Of  purple  and  green,  that  covered  her  breast. 

When  the  sun  came  up,  she  saw  with  grief 

The  blooming  of  her  sister  bud  leaf  by  leaf. 

While  she,  once  as  fair  and  bright  as  the  rest, 

Hung  her  weary  head  down  on  her  wounded  breast. 

Bright  grew  the  sunshine,  and  the  soft  summer  air 

Was  filled  with  the  music  of  flowers  singing  there  ; 

But  faint  grew  the  little  bud  with  thirst  and  pain, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  63 

And  longed  for  the  cool  dew  ;  but  now  't  was  in  vain. 

Then  bitterly  she  wept  for  her  folly  and  pride, 

As  drooping  she  stood  by  her  fair  sister's  side. 

Then  the  rose  mother  leaned  the  weary  little  head 

On  her  bosom  to  rest,  and  tenderly  she  said : 

"  Thou  hast  learned,  my  little  bud,  that,  whatever  may  betide, 

Thou  canst  win  thyself  no  joy  by  passion  or  by  pride. 

The  loving  Father  sends  the  sunshine  and  the  shower, 

That  thou  mayst  become  a  perfect  little  flower ;  — 

The  sweet  dews  to  feed  thee,  the  soft  wind  to  cheer, 

And  the  earth  as  a  pleasant  home,  while  thou  art  dwelling  here. 

Then  shouldst  thou  not  be  grateful  for  all  this  kindly  care, 

And  strive  to  keep  thyself  most  innocent  and  fair  ? 

Then  seek,  my  little  blossom,  to  win  humility  ; 

Be  fair  without,  be  pure  within,  and  thou  wilt  happy  be. 

So  when  the  quiet  Autumn  of  thy  fragrant  life  shall  come, 

Thou  mayst  pass  away,  to  bloom  in  the  Flower  Spirits'  home." 

Then  from  the  mother's  breast,  where  it  still  lay  hid. 

Into  the  fading  bud  the  dew-drop  gently  slid  ; 

Stronger  grew  the  little  form,  and  happy  tears  fell, 

As  the  dew  did  its  silent  work,  and  the  bud  grew  well, 

"While  the  gentle  rose  leaned,  with  motherly  pride, 

O'er  the  fair  little  ones  that  bloomed  at  her  side. 

Night  came  again,  and  the  fire-flies  flew  ; 
But  the  bud  let  them  pass,  and  drank  of  the  dew ; 
While  the  soft  stars  shone,  from  the  still  summer  heaven, 
On  the  happy  little  flower  that  had  learned  the  lesson  given. 

The  music-loving  Elves  clapped  their  hands, 
5 


64 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


as  Star- Twinkle  ceased ;  and  the  Queen  placed 
a  flower  crown,  with  a  gentle  smile,  upon  the 
Fairy's   head,   saying,  — 

"  The  little  bud's  lesson  shall  teach  us  how 
sad  a  thing  is  pride,  and  that  humility  alone 
can  bring  true  happiness  to  flower  and  Fairy. 
You   shall  come  next,   Zephyr." 

And  the  little  Fairy,  who  lay  rocking  to  and 
fro  upon  a  fluttering  vine-leaf,  thus  began  her 
story :  — 

"  As  I  lay  resting  in  the  bosom  of  a  cowslip 
that  bent  above  the  brook,  a  little  wind,  tired 
of  play,  told  me  this  tale  of 


Long  live  our  King  and  Queen. 


LILY-BELL  AND  THISTLEDOWN. 


Once  upon  a  time,  two  little  Fairies  went  out 
into  the  world,  to  seek  their  fortune.  Thistle- 
down was  as  gay  and  gallant  a  little  Elf  as  ever 
spread  a  wing.  His  purple  mantle,  and  doublet 
of  green,  were  embroidered  with  the  brightest 
threads,  and  the  plume  in  his  cap  came  always 
from  the  wing  of  the  gayest  butterfly. 

But  he  was  not  loved  in  Fairy-Land,  for,  like 
the  flower  whose  name  and  colors  he  wore, 
though  fair  to  look  upon,  many  were  the  little 
thorns  of  cruelty  and  selfishness  that  lay  con- 
cealed by  his  gay  mantle.  Many  a  gentle  flower 
and  harmless  bird  died  by  his  hand,  for  he  cared 
for  himself  alone,  and  whatever  gave  him  pleas- 
ure must  be  his,  though  happy  hearts  were  ren- 
dered sad,  and  peaceful  homes  destroyed. 


66  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Such  was  Thistledown ;  but  far  different  was 
his  little  friend,  Lily-Bell.  Kind,  compassionate, 
and  loving,  wherever  her  gentle  face  was  seen, 
joy  and  gratitude  were  found ;  no  suffering 
flower  or  insect,  that  did  not  love  and  bless  the 
kindly  Fairy ;  and  thus  all  Elf- Land  looked  upon 
her  as  a  friend. 

Nor  did  this  make  her  vain  and  heedless  of 
others ;  she  humbly  dwelt  among  them,  seeking 
to  do  all  the  good  she  might ;  and  many  a  house- 
less bird  and  hungry  insect  that  Thistledown  had 
harmed  did  she  feed  and  shelter,  and  in  return 
no  evil  could  befall  her,  for  so  many  friends  were 
all  about  her,  seeking  to  repay  her  tenderness 
and  love  by  their  watchful  care. 

She  would  not  now  have  left  Fairy-Land,  but 
to  help  and  counsel  her  wild  companion,  Thistle- 
down, wrho,  discontented  with  his  quiet  home, 
would  seek  his  fortune  in  the  great  world,  and 
she  feared  he  would  suffer  from  his  own  faults, 
for  others  would  not  always  be  as  gentle  and  for- 
giving as  his  kindred.  So  the  kind  little  Fairy 
left  her  home  and  friends  to  go  with  him ;  and 
thus,  side  by  side,  they  flew  beneath  the  bright 
summer  sky. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  67 

On  and  on,  over  hill  and  valley,  they  went, 
chasing  the  gay  butterflies,  or  listening  to  the 
bees,  as  they  flew  from  flower  to  flower  like  busy 
little  housewives,  singing  as  they  worked ;  till  at 
last  they  reached  a  pleasant  garden,  filled  with 
flowers  and  green,  old  trees. 

"  See,"  cried  Thistledown,  "what  a  lovely 
home  is  here ;  let  us  rest  among  the  cool  leaves, 
and  hear  the  flowers  sing,  for  I  am  sadly  tired 
and  hungry." 

So  into  the  quiet  garden  they  went,  and  the 
winds  gayly  welcomed  them,  while  the  flowers 
nodded  on  their  stems,  offering  their  bright  leaves 
for  the  Elves  to  rest  upon,  and  fresh,  sweet  honey 
to  refresh  them. 

"  Now,  dear  Thistle,  do  not  harm  these  friendly 
blossoms,"  said  Lily-Bell ;  "  see  how  kindly  they 
spread  their  leaves,  and  offer  us  their  dew.  It 
would  be  very  wrong  in  you  to  repay  their  care 
with  cruelty  and  pain.  You  will  be  tender  for 
my  sake,  dear  Thistle." 

Then  she  went  among  the  flowers,  and  they 
bent  lovingly  before  her,  and  laid  their  soft  leaves 
against  her  little  face,  that  she  might  see  how 
glad  they  were  to  welcome   one   so   good   and 


68  FLOWER    FABLES. 

gentle,  and  kindly  offered  their  dew  and  honey  to 
the  weary  little  Fairy,  who  sat  among  their  fra- 
grant petals  and  looked  smilingly  on  the  happy 
blossoms,  who,  with  their  soft,  low  voices,  sang 
her  to  sleep. 

While  Lily-Bell  lay  dreaming  among  the  rose- 
leaves,  Thistledown  went  wandering  through  the 
garden.  First  he  robbed  the  bees  of  their  honey, 
and  rudely  shook  the  little  flowers,  that  he  might 
get  the  dew  they  had  gathered  to  bathe  their 
buds  in.  Then  he  chased  the  bright  winged 
flies,  and  wounded  them  with  the  sharp  thorn  he 
carried  for  a  sword  ;  he  broke  the  spider's  shin- 
ing webs,  lamed  the  birds,  and  soon  wherever  he 
passed  lay  wounded  insects  and  drooping  flow- 
ers ;  while  the  winds  carried  the  tidings  over  the 
garden,  and  bird  and  blossom  looked  upon  him 
as  an  evil  spirit,  and  fled  away  or  closed  their 
leaves,  lest  he  should  harm  them. 

Thus  he  went,  leaving  sorrow  and  pain  behind 
him,  till  he  came  to  the  roses  where  Lily-Bell  lay 
sleeping.  There,  weary  of  his  cruel  sport,  he 
stayed  to  rest  beneath  a  graceful  rose-tree,  where 
grew  one  blooming  flower  and  a  tiny  bud. 

"  Why   are   you   so   slow  in  blooming,  little 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


69 


one?  You  are  too  old  to  be  rocked  in  your 
green  cradle  longer,  and  should  be  out  among 
your  sister  flowers,"  said  Thistle,  as  he  lay  idly 
in  the  shadow  of  the  tree. 

"  My  little  bud  is  not  yet  strong  enough  to 
venture  forth,"  replied  the  rose,  as  she  bent  fondly 
over  it;  "the  sunlight  and  the  rain  would  blight 
her  tender  form,  were  she  to  blossom  now,  but 
soon  she  will  be  fit  to  bear  them  ;  till  then  she  is 
content  to  rest  beside  her  mother,  and  to  wait." 

"  You  silly  flower,"  said  Thistledown,  "  see 
how  quickly  I  will  make  you  bloom!  your  wait- 
ing is  all  useless."  And  speaking  thus,  he  pulled 
rudely  apart  the  folded  leaves,  and  laid  them 
open  to  the  sun  and  air ;  while  the  rose  mother 
implored  the  cruel  Fairy  to  leave  her  little  bud 
untouched. 

"It  is  my  first,  my  only  one,"  said  she,  "  and  I 
have  watched  over  it  with  such  care,  hoping  it 
would  soon  bloom  beside  me;  and  now  you 
have  destroyed  it.  How  could  you  harm  the  lit- 
tle helpless  one,  that  never  did  aught  to  injure 
you?"  And  while  her  tears  fell  like  summer 
rain,  she  drooped  in  grief  above  the  little  bud, 
and  sadly  watched  it  fading  in  the  sunlight ;  but 


70 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Thistledown,  heedless  of  the  sorrow  he  had  given, 
spread  his  wings  and  flew  away. 

Soon  the  sky  grew  dark,  and  heavy  drops  be- 
gan to  fall.  Then  Thistle  hastened  to  the  lily, 
for  her  cup  was  deep,  and  the  white  leaves  fell 
like  curtains  over  the  fragrant  bed ;  he  was  a 
dainty  little  Elf,  and  could  not  sleep  among  the 
clovers  and  bright  buttercups.  But  when  he 
asked  the  flower  to  unfold  her  leaves  and  take- 
him  in,  she  turned  her  pale,  soft  face  away,  and 
answered  sadly,  "  I  must  shield  my  little  droop- 
ing sisters  whom  you  have  harmed,  and  cannot 
let  you  in." 

Then  Thistledown  was  very  angry,  and  turned 
to  find  shelter  among  the  stately  roses ;  but  they 
showed  their  sharp  thorns,  and,  while  their  rosy 
faces  glowed  with  anger,  told  him  to  begone,  or 
they  would  repay  him  for  the  wrong  he  had  done 
their  gentle  kindred. 

He  would  have  stayed  to  harm  them,  but  the 
rain  fell  fast,  and  he  hurried  away,  saying,  "  The 
tulips  will  take  me  in,  for  I  have  praised  their 
beauty,  and  they  are  vain  and  foolish  flowers." 

But  when  he  came,  all  wet  and  cold,  praying 
for  shelter  among   their  thick  leaves,  they  only 


FLOWER    FABLES.  71 

laughed,  and  said  scornfully,  "  We  know  you, 
and  will  not  let  you  in,  for  you  are  false  and 
cruel,  and  will  only  bring  us  sorrow.  You  need 
not  come  to  us  for  another  mantle,  when  the  rain 
has  spoilt  your  fine  one ;  and  do  not  stay  here, 
or  we  will  do  you  harm." 

Then  they  waved  their  broad  leaves  stormily, 
and  scattered  the  heavy  drops  on  his  dripping 
garments. 

"Now  must  I  go  to  the  humble  daisies  and 
blue  violets,"  said  Thistle,  "  they  will  be  glad  to 
let  in  so  fine  a  Fairy,  and  I  shall  die  in  this  cold 
wind  and  rain." 

So  away  he  flew,  as  fast  as  his  heavy  wings 
would  bear  him,  to  the  daisies  ;  but  they  nodded 
their  heads  wisely,  and  closed  their  leaves  yet 
closer,  saying  sharply, — 

"  Go  away  with  yourself,  and  do  not  imagine 
we  will  open  our  leaves  to  you,  and  spoil  our 
seeds  by  letting  in  the  rain.  Tt  serves  you  right- 
ly ;  to  gain  our  love  and  confidence,  and  repay  it 
by  such  cruelty!  You  will  find  no  shelter  here 
for  one  whose  careless  hand  wounded  our  little 
friend  Violet,  and  broke  the  truest  heart  that  ever 
beat  in  a  flower's  breast.     We  are  very  angry 


72  FLOWER    FABLES. 

with  you,  wicked  Fairy ;  go  away  and  hide 
yourself. 

"  Ah,"  cried  the  shivering  Elf,  "  where  can  I 
find  shelter  ?  I  will  go  to  the  violets :  they  will 
forgive  and  take  me  in." 

But  the  daisies  had  spoken  truly;  the  gentle 
little  flower  was  dead,  and  her  blue-eyed  sisters 
were  weeping  bitterly  over  her  faded  leaves. 

"  Now  I  have  no  friends,"  sighed  poor  Thistle- 
down, "  and  must  die  of  cold.  Ah,  if  I  had  but 
minded  Lily-Bell,  I  might  now  be  dreaming  be- 
neath some  flower's  leaves." 

"  Others  can  forgive  and  love,  beside  Lily-Bell 
and  Violet,"  said  a  faint,  sweet  voice ;  "  I  have 
no  little  bud  to  shelter  now,  and  you  can  enter 
here."  It  was  the  rose  mother  that  spoke,  and 
Thistle  saw  how  pale  the  bright  leaves  had 
grown,  and  how  the  slender  stem  was  bowed. 
Grieved,  ashamed,  and  wondering  at  the  flow- 
er's forgiving  words,  he  laid  his  weary  head  on 
the  bosom  he  had  filled  with  sorrow,  and  the  fra- 
grant leaves  were  folded  carefully  about  him. 

But  he  could  find  no  rest.  The  rose  strove  to 
comfort  him ;  but  when  she  fancied  he  was  sleep- 
ing, thoughts  of  her  lost  bud  stole  in,  and  the 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


73 


little  heart  beat  so  sadly  where  he  lay,  that  no 
sleep  came ;  while  the  bitter  tears  he  had  caused 
to  flow  fell  more  coldly  on  him  than  the  rain 
without.  Then  he  heard  the  other  flowers  whis- 
pering among  themselves  of  his  cruelty,  and  the 
sorrow  he  had  brought  to  their  happy  home ; 
and  many  wondered  how  the  rose,  who  had  suf- 
fered most,  could  yet  forgive  and  shelter  him. 

"Never  could  I  forgive  one  who  had  robbed 
me  of  my  children.  I  could  bow  my  head  and 
die,  but  could  give  no  happiness  to  one  who  had 
taken  all  my  own,"  said  Hyacinth,  bending  fond- 
ly over  the  little  ones  that  blossomed  by  her  side. 

"  Dear  Violet  is  not  the  only  one  who  will 
leave  us,"  sobbed  little  Mignonette;  "the  rose 
mother  will  fade  like  her  little  bud,  and  we  shall 
lose  our  gentlest  teacher.  Her  last  lesson  is  for- 
giveness ;  let  us  show  our  love  for  her,  and  the 
gentle  stranger  Lily-Bell,  by  allowing  no  unkind 
word  or  thought  of  him  who  has  brought  us  all 
this  grief." 

The  angry  words  were  hushed,  and  through 
the  long  night  nothing  was  heard  but  the  drop- 
ping of  the  rain,  and  the  low  sighs  of  the  rose. 

Soon  the   sunlight  came  again,  and  with  it 


74  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Lily-Bell  seeking  for  Thistledown  ;  but  he  was 
ashamed,  and  stole  away. 

When  the  flowers  told  their  sorrow  to  kind- 
hearted  Lily -Bell,  she  wept  bitterly  at  the  pain 
her  friend  had  given,  and  with  loving  words 
strove  to  comfort  those  whom  he  had  grieved; 
with  gentle  care  she  healed  the  wounded  birds, 
and  watched  above  the  flowers  he  had  harmed, 
bringing  each  day  dew  and  sunlight  to  refresh 
and  strengthen,  till  all  were  well  again ;  and 
though  sorrowing  for  their  dead  friends,  still  they 
forgave  Thistle  for  the  sake  of  her  who  had  done 
so  much  for  them.  Thus,  erelong,  buds  fairer  than 
that  she  had  lost  lay  on  the  rose  mother's  breast, 
and  for  all  she  had  suffered  she  was  well  repaid 
by  the  love  of  Lily-Bell  and  her  sister  flowers. 

And  when  bird,  bee,  and  blossom  were  strong 
and  fair  again,  the  gentle  Fairy  said  farewell,  and 
flew  away  to  seek  her  friend,  leaving  behind 
many  grateful  hearts,  who  owed  their  joy  and 
life  to  her. 

Meanwhile,  over  hill  and  dale  went  Thistle- 
down, and  for  a  time  was  kind  and  gentle  to 
every  living  thing.     He  missed  sadly  the   little 


FLOWER    FABLES.  75 

friend  who  had  left  her  happy  home  to  watch 
over  him,  but  he  was  too  proud  to  own  his  fault, 
and  so  went  on,  hoping  she  would  find  him. 

One  day  he  fell  asleep,  and  when  he  woke  the 
sun  had  set,  and  the  dew  began  to  fall ;  the  flow- 
er-cups were  closed,  and  he  had  nowhere  to  go, 
till  a  friendly  little  bee,  belated  by  his  heavy  load 
of  honey,  bid  the  weary  Fairy  come  with  him. 

"  Help  me  to  bear  my  honey  home,  and  you 
can  stay  with  us  to-night,"  he  kindly  said. 

So  Thistle  gladly  went  with  him,  and  soon 
they  came  to  a  pleasant  garden,  where  among 
the  fairest  flowers  stood  the  hive,  covered  with 
vines  and  overhung  with  blossoming  trees. 
Glow-worms  stood  at  the  door  to  light  them 
home,  and  as  they  passed  in,  the  Fairy  thought 
how  charming  it  must  be  to  dwell  in  such  a 
lovely  place.  The  floor  of  wax  was  pure  and 
white  as  marble,  while  the  walls  were  formed  of 
golden  honey-comb,  and  the  air  was  fragrant 
with  the  breath  of  flowers. 

"  You  cannot  see  our  Queen  to-night,"  said 
the  little  bee,  "but  I  will  show  you  to  a  bed 
where  you  can  rest." 

And  he  led  the  tired  Fairy  to   a   little   cell, 


76  FLOWER    FABLES. 

where  on  a  bed  of  flower-leaves  he  folded  his 
wings  and  fell  asleep. 

As  the  first  ray  of  sunlight  stole  in,  he  was 
awakened  by  sweet  music.  It  was  the  morning 
song  of  the  bees. 

"  Awake  !  awake  !  for  the  earliest  gleam 
Of  golden  sunlight  shines 
On  the  rippling  waves,  that  brightly  flow 

Beneath  the  flowering  vines. 
Awake  !  awake  !  for  the  low,  sweet  chant 

Of  the  wild-birds'  morning  h}'mn 
Comes  floating  by  on  the  fragrant  air, 
Through  the  forest  cool  and  dim  ; 
Then  spread  each  wing, 
And  work,  and  sing, 
Through  the  long,  bright  sunny  hours ; 
O'er  the  pleasant  earth 
We  journey  forth, 
For  a  day  among  the  flowers. 

"Awake  !  awake!  for  the  summer  wind 
Hath  bidden  the  blossoms  unclose, 
Hath  opened  the  violet's  soft  blue  eye, 

And  wakened  the  sleeping  rose. 
And  lightly  they  wave  on  their  slender  stems 

Fragrant,  and  fresh,  and  fair, 
Waiting  for  us,  as  we  singing  come 
To  gather  our  honey-dew  there. 
Then  spread  each  wing, 
And  work,  and  sing, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  '  77 

Through  the  long,  bright  sunny  hours  ; 

O'er  the  pleasant  earth 

We  journey  forth, 
For  a  day  among  the  flowers." 

Soon  his  friend  came  to  bid  him  rise,  as  the 
Queen  desired  to  speak  with  him.  So,  with  his 
purple  mantle  thrown  gracefully  over  his  shoul- 
der, and  his  little  cap  held  respectfully  in  his 
hand,  he  followed  Nimble- Wing  to  the  great 
hall,  where  the  Queen  was  being  served  by  her 
little  pages.  Some  bore  her  fresh  dew  and  hon- 
ey, some  fanned  her  with  fragrant  flower-leaves, 
while  others  scattered  the  sweetest  perfumes  on 
the  air. 

"  Little  Fairy,"  said  the  Queen,  "  you  are  wel- 
come to  my  palace ;  and  we  will  gladly  have 
you  stay  with  us,  if  you  will  obey  our  laws. 
We  do  not  spend  the  pleasant  summer  days  in 
idleness  and  pleasure,  but  each  one  labors  for  the 
happiness  and  good  of  all.  If  our  home  is  beau- 
tiful, we  have  made  it  so  by  industry ;  and  here, 
as  one  large,  loving  family,  we  dwell ;  no  sorrow, 
care,  or  discord  can  enter  in,  while  all  obey  the 
voice  of  her  who  seeks  to  be  a  wise  and  gentle 
Queen  to  them.     If  you  will  stay  with  us,  we 


78 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


will  teach  you  many  things.  Order,  patience, 
industry,  who  can  teach  so  well  as  they  who  are 
the  emblems  of  these  virtues  ? 

"  Our  laws  are  few  and  simple.  You  must 
each  day  gather  your  share  of  honey,  see  that 
your  cell  is  sweet  and  fresh,  as  you  yourself  must 
be;  rise  with  the  sun,  and  with  him  to  sleep. 
You  must  harm  no  flower  in  doing  your  work, 
nor  take  more  than  your  just  share  of  honey ;  for 
they  so  kindly  give  us  food,  it  wTere  most  cruel  to 
treat  them  with  aught  save  gentleness  and 
gratitude.  Now  will  you  stay  with  us,  and  learn 
what  even  mortals  seek  to  know,  that  labor 
brings  true  happiness  ?  " 

And  Thistle  said  he  would  stay  and  dwell 
with  them  ;  for  he  was  tired  of  wandering  alone, 
and  thought  he  might  live  here  till  Lily-Bell 
should  come,  or  till  he  was  weary  of  the  kind- 
hearted  bees.  Then  they  took  away  his  gay 
garments,  and  dressed  him  like  themselves,  in 
the  black  velvet  cloak  with  golden  bands  across 
his  breast. 

"  Now  come  with  us,"  they  said.  So  forth  into 
the  green  fields  they  went,  and  made  their  break- 
fast among  the  dewy  flowers  ;  and  then  till  the 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


79 


sun  set  they  flew  from  bud  to  blossom,  singing 
as  they  went ;  and  Thistle  for  a  while  was  hap- 
pier than  when  breaking  flowers  and  harming 
gentle  birds. 

But  he  soon  grew  tired  of  working  all  day  in 
the  sun,  and  longed  to  be  free  again.  He  could 
find  no  pleasure  with  the  industrious  bees,  and 
sighed  to  be  away  with  his  idle  friends,  the  but- 
terflies ;  so  while  the  others  worked  he  slept  or 
played,  and  then,  in  haste  to  get  his  share,  he 
tore  the  flowers,  and  took  all  they  had  saved  for 
their  own  food.  Nor  was  this  all ;  he  told  such 
pleasant  tales  of  the  life  he  led  before  he  came  to 
live  with  them,  that  many  grew  unhappy  and 
discontented,  and  they  who  had  before  wished 
no  greater  joy  than  the  love  and  praise  of  their 
kind  Queen,  now  disobeyed  and  blamed  her  for 
all  she  had  done  for  them. 

Long  she  bore  with  their  unkind  words  and 
deeds  ;  and  when  at  length  she  found  it  was  the 
ungrateful  Fairy  who  had  wrought  this  trouble 
in  her  quiet  kingdom,  she  strove,  with  sweet,  for- 
giving words,  to  show  him  all  the  wrong  he  had 
done ;  but  he  would  not  listen,  and  still  went  on 
destroying  the  happiness  of  those  who  had  done 
so  much  for  him.        a 


80 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Then,  when  she  saw  that  no  kindness  could 
touch  his  heart,  she  said  :  — 

"  Thistledown,  we  took  you  in,  a  friendless 
stranger,  fed  and  clothed  you,  and  made  our 
home  as  pleasant  to  you  as  we  could ;  and  in  re- 
turn for  all  our  care,  you  have  brought  discontent 
and  trouble  to  my  subjects,  grief  and  care  to  me. 
I  cannot  let  my  peaceful  kingdom  be  disturbed 
by  you;  therefore  go  and  seek  another  home. 
You  may  find  other  friends,  but  none  will  love 
you  more  than  we,  had  you  been  worthy  of  it ; 
so  farewell."  And  the  doors  of  the  once  happy 
home  he  had  disturbed  were  closed  behind  him. 

Then  he  was  very  angry,  and  determined  to 
bring  some  great  sorrow  on  the  good  Queen. 
So  he  sought  out  the  idle,  wilful  bees,  whom  he 
had  first  made  discontented,  bidding  them  follow 
him,  and  win  the  honey  the  Queen  had  stored 
up  for  the  winter. 

"  Let  us  feast  and  make  merry  in  the  pleasant 
summer-time,"  said  Thistle ;  "  winter  is  far  off, 
why  should  we  waste  these  lovely  days,  toiling 
to  lay  up  the  food  we  might  enjoy  now.  Come, 
we  will  take  what  we  have  made,  and  think  no 
more  of  what  the  Queen  has  said." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  81 

So  while  the  industrious  bees  were  out  among 
the  flowers,  he  led  the  drones  to  the  hive,  and 
took  possession  of  the  honey,  destroying  and  lay- 
ing waste  the  home  of  the  kind  bees ;  then,  fear- 
ing that  in  their  grief  and  anger  they  might  harm 
him,  Thistle  flew  away  to  seek  new  friends. 

After  many  wanderings,  he  came  at  length  to 
a  great  forest,  and  here  beside  a  still  lake  he 
stayed  to  rest.  Delicate  wood-flowers  grew  near 
him  in  the  deep  green  moss,  with  drooping 
heads,  as  if  they  listened  to  the  soft  wind  sing- 
ing among  the  pines.  Bright-eyed  birds  peeped 
at  him  from  their  nests,  and  many-colored  insects 
danced  above  the  cool,  still  lake. 

"  This  is  a  pleasant  place,"  said  Thistle  ;  "  it 
shall  be  my  home  for  a  while.  Come  hither,  blue 
dragon-fly,  I  would  gladly  make  a  friend  of  you, 
for  I  am  all  alone." 

The  dragon-fly  folded  his  shining  wings  beside 
the  Elf,  listened  to  the  tale  he  told,  promised  to 
befriend  the  lonely  one,  and  strove  to  make  the 
forest  a  happy  home  to  him. 

So  here  dwelt  Thistle,  and  many  kind  friends 
gathered  round  him,  for  he  spoke  gently  to  them, 


82 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


and  they  knew  nothing  of  the  cruel  deeds  he  had 
done ;  and  for  a  while  he  was  happy  and  content. 
But  at  length  he  grew  weary  of  the  gentle  birds, 
and  wild-flowers,  and  sought  new  pleasure  in 
destroying  the  beauty  he  was  tired  of ;  and  soon 
the  friends  who  had  so  kindly  welcomed  him 
looked  upon  him  as  an  evil  spirit,  and  shrunk 
away  as  he  approached. 

At  length  his  friend  the  dragon-fly  besought 
him  to  leave  the  quiet  home  he  had  disturbed. 
Then  Thistle  was  very  angry,  and  while  the 
dragon-fly  was  sleeping  among  the  flowers  that 
hung  over  the  lake,  he  led  an  ugly  spider  to  the 
spot,  and  bade  him  weave  his  nets  about  the  sleep- 
ing insect,  and  bind  him  fast.  The  cruel  spider 
gladly  obeyed  the  ungrateful  Fairy ;  and  soon 
the  poor  fly  could  move  neither  leg  nor  wing. 
Then  Thistle  flew  away  through  the  wood,  leav- 
ing sorrow  and  trouble  behind  him. 

He  had  not  journeyed  far  before  he  grew  wea- 
ry, and  lay  down  to  rest.  Long  he  slept,  and 
when  he  awoke,  and  tried  to  rise,  his  hands  and 
wings  were  bound ;  while  beside  him  stood  two 
strange  little  figures,  with  dark  faces  and  gar- 
ments, that  rustled  like  withered  leaves ;  who 
cried  to  him,  as  he  struggled  to  get  free,  — 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


83 


"  Lie  still,  you  naughty  Fairy,  you  are  in  the 
Brownies'  power,  and  shall  be  well  punished  for 
your  cruelty  ere  we  let  you  go." 

So  poor  Thistle  lay  sorrowfully,  wondering 
what  would  come  of  it,  and  wishing  Lily-Bell 
would  come  to  help  and  comfort  him  ;  but  he  had 
left  her,  and  she  could  not  help  him  now. 

Soon  a  troop  of  Brownies  came  rustling 
through  the  air,  and  gathered  round  him,  while 
one  who  wore  an  acorn-cup  on  his  head,  and 
was  their  King,  said,  as  he  stood  beside  the 
trembling  Fairy, — 

"  You  have  done  many  cruel  things,  and 
caused  much  sorrow  to  happy  hearts ;  now  you 
are  in  my  power,  and  I  shall  keep  you  prisoner 
till  you  have  repented.  You  cannot  dwell  on 
the  earth  without  harming  the  fair  things  given 
you  to  enjoy,  so  you  shall  live  alone  in  solitude 
and  darkness,  till  you  have  learned  to  find  hap- 
piness in  gentle  deeds,  and  forget  yourself  in  giv- 
ing joy  to  others.  When  you  have  learned  this, 
I  will  set  you  free." 

Then  the  Brownies  bore  him  to  a  high,  dark 
rock,  and,  entering  a  little  door,  led  him  to  a 
small   cell,  dimly  lighted    by  a  crevice   through 


84  FLOWER    FABLES. 

which  came  a  single  gleam  of  sunlight;  and 
there,  through  long,  long  days,  poor  Thistle  sat 
alone,  and  gazed  with  wistful  eyes  at  the  little 
opening,  longing  to  be  out  on  the  green  earth. 
No  one  came  to  him,  but  the  silent  Brownies 
who  brought  his  daily  food  ;  and  with  bitter  tears 
he  wept  for  Lily-Bell,  mourning  his  cruelty  and 
selfishness,  seeking  to  do  some  kindly  deed  that 
might  atone  for  his  wrong-doing. 

A  little  vine  that  grew  outside  his  prison  rock 
came  creeping  up,  and  looked  in  through  the 
crevice,  as  if  to  cheer  the  lonely  Fairy,  who  wel- 
comed it  most  gladly,  and  daily  sprinkled  its  soft 
leaves  with  his  small  share  of  water,  that  the  lit- 
tle vine  might  live,  even  if  it  darkened  more  and 
more  his  dim  cell. 

The  watchful  Brownies  saw  this  kind  deed, 
and  brought  him  fresh  flowers,  and  many  things, 
which  Thistle  gratefully  received,  though  he 
never  knew  it  was  his  kindness  to  the  vine  that 
gained  for  him  these  pleasures. 

Thus  did  poor  Thistle  strive  to  be  more  gentle 
and  unselfish,  and  grew  daily  happier  and  better. 

Now  while  Thistledown  was  a  captive  in  the 
lonely  cell,  Lily-Bell  was  seeking   him  far  and 


FLOWER    FABLES.  85 

wide,  and  sadly  traced  him  by  the  sorrowing 
hearts  he  had  left  behind. 

She  healed  the  drooping  flowers,  cheered  the 
Queen  Bee's  grief,  brought  back  her  discontented 
subjects,  restored  the  home  to  peace  and  order, 
and  left  them  blessing  her. 

Thus  she  journeyed  on,  till  she  reached  the 
forest  where  Thistledown  had  lost  his  freedom. 
She  unbound  the  starving  dragon-fly,  and  tended 
the  wounded  birds;  but  though  all  learned  to 
love  her,  none  could  tell  where  the  Brownies 
had  borne  her  friend,  till  a  little  wind  came  whis- 
pering by,  and  told  her  that  a  sweet  voice  had 
been  heard,  singing  Fairy  songs,  deep  in  a  moss- 
grown  rock. 

Then  Lily-Bell  went  seeking  through  the  for- 
est, listening  for  the  voice.  Long  she  looked  and 
listened  in  vain ;  when  one  day,  as  she  was  wan- 
dering through  a  lonely  dell,  she  heard  a  faint, 
low  sound  of  music,  and  soon  a  distant  voice 
mournfully  singing,  — 

"  Bright  shines  the  summer  sun, 
Soft  is  the  summer  air ; 
Gayly  the  wood-birds  sing, 
Flowers  are  blooming  fair. 


86  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  But,  deep  in  the  dark,  cold  rock, 
Sadly  I  dwell, 
Longing  for  thee,  dear  friend, 
Lily-Bell !    Lily-Bell ! " 

"  Thistle,  dear  Thistle,  where  are  you?"  joy- 
fully cried  Lily-Bell,  as  she  flew  from  rock  to 
rock.  But  the  voice  was  still,  and  she  would 
have  looked  in  vain,  had  she  not  seen  a  little 
vine,  whose  green  leaves  fluttering  to  and  fro 
seemed  beckoning  her  to  come  ;  and  as  she  stood 
among  its  flowers  she  sang,  — 

"  Through  sunlight  and  summer  air 
I  have  sought  for  thee  long, 
Guided  by  birds  and  flowers, 
And  now  by  thy  song. 

"  Thistledown  !    Thistledown  ! 
O'er  hill  and  dell 
Hither  to  comfort  thee 
Comes  Lily-Bell." 

Then  from  the  vine-leaves  two  little  arms 
were  stretched  out  to  her,  and  Thistledown 
was  found.  So  Lily-Bell  made  her  home  in 
the  shadow  of  the  vine,  and  brought  such  joy 
to  Thistle,  that  his  lonely  cell  seemed  pleasanter 
to  him  than  all  the  world  beside  ;  and  he  grew 


FLOWER    FABLES.  87 

daily  more  like  his  gentle  friend.  But  it  did 
not  last  long,  for  one  day  she  did  not  come. 
He  watched  and  waited  long,  for  the  little  face 
that  used  to  peep  smiling  in  through  the  vine- 
leaves.  He  called  and  beckoned  through  the 
narrow  opening,  but  no  Lily-Bell  answered; 
and  he  wept  sadly  as  he  thought  of  all  she  had 
done  for  him,  and  that  now  he  could  not  go 
to  seek  and  help  her,  for  he  had  lost  his  free- 
dom by   his   own  cruel  and  wicked  deeds. 

At  last  he  besought  the  silent  Brownie  ear- 
nestly to  tell  him  whither  she  had  gone. 

"  O  let  me  go  to  her,"  prayed  Thistle ;  "  if  she 
is  in  sorrow,  I  will  comfort  her,  and  show  my 
gratitude  for  all  she  has  done  for  me :  dear 
Brownie,  set  me  free,  and  when  she  is  found 
I  will  come  and  be  your  prisoner  again.  I  will 
bear  and  suffer  any  danger  for  her  sake." 

"  Lily-Bell  is  safe,"  replied  the  Brownie ; 
"  come,  you  shall  learn  the  trial  that  awaits 
you." 

Then  he  led  the  wondering  Fairy  from  his 
prison,  to  a  group  of  tall,  drooping  ferns,  be- 
neath whose  shade  a  large  white  lily  had  been 
placed,  forming  a  little  tent,  within  which,  on  a 


88 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


conch  of  thick  green  moss,  lay  Lily-Bell  in  a 
deep  sleep ;  the  sunlight  stole  softly  in,  and 
all  was  cool  and  still. 

"  You  cannot  wake  her,"  said  the  Brownie, 
as  Thistle  folded  his  arms  tenderly  about  her. 
"  It  is  a  magic  slumber,  and  she  will  not  wake 
till  you  shall  bring  hither  gifts  from  the  Earth, 
Air,  and  Water  Spirits.  'T  is  a  long  and  weary 
task,  for  you  have  made  no  friends  to  help 
you,  and  will  have  to  seek  for  them  alone. 
This  is  the  trial  we  shall  give  you ;  and  if 
your  love  for  Lily-Bell  be  strong  enough  to 
keep  you  from  all  cruelty  and  selfishness,  and 
make  you  kind  and  loving  as  you  should  be, 
she  will  awake  to  welcome  you,  and  love  you 
still  more  fondly  than  before." 

Then  Thistle,  with  a  last  look  on  the  little 
friend  he  loved  so  well,  set  forth  alone  to  his 
long  task. 

The  home  of  the  Earth  Spirits  was  the  first 
to  find,  and  no  one  would  tell  him  where  to 
look.  So  far  and  wide  he  wandered,  through 
gloomy  forests  and  among  lonely  hills,  with 
none  to  cheer  him  when  sad  and  weary,  none 
to  guide  him  on  his  way. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  89 

On  he  went,  thinking  of  Lily-Bell,  and  for 
her  sake  bearing  all ;  for  in  his  quiet  prison 
many  gentle  feelings  and  kindly  thoughts  had 
sprung  up  in  his  heart,  and  he  now  strove  to 
be  friends  with  all,  and  win  for  himself  the  love 
and  confidence  of  those  whom  once  he  sought 
to  harm  and  cruelly  destroy. 

But  few  believed  him  ;  for  they  remembered 
his  false  promises  and  evil  deeds,  and  would 
not  trust  him  now ;  so  poor  Thistle  found  few 
to  love  or  care  for  him. 

Long  he  wandered,  and  carefully  he  sought ; 
but  could  not  find  the  Earth  Spirits'  home. 
And  when  at  length  he  reached  the  pleasant 
garden  where  he  and  Lily-Bell  first  parted,  he 
said  within   himself,  — 

"  Here  I  will  stay  awhile,  and  try  to  win  by 
kindly  deeds  the  flowers'  forgiveness  for  the 
pain  and  sorrow  I  brought  them  long  ago  ;  and 
they  may  learn  to  love  and  trust  me.  So,  even 
if  I  never  find  the  Spirits,  I  shall  be  worthier 
Lily- Bell's  affection  if  I  strive  to  atone  for 
the  wrong  I  have  done." 

Then  he  went  among  the  flowers,  but  they 
closed  their  leaves,  and  shrank  away,  trembling 


90  FLOWER    FABLES. 

with  fear ;  while  the  birds   fled  to  hide  among 
the  leaves  as   he  passed. 

This  grieved  poor  Thistle,  and  he  longed  to 
tell  them  how  changed  he  had  become ;  but  they 
would  not  listen.  So  he  tried  to  show,  by  quiet 
deeds  of  kindness,  that  he  meant  no  harm  to 
them ;  and  soon  the  kind-hearted  birds  pitied 
the  lonely  Fairy,  and  when  he  came  near  sang 
cheering  songs,  and  dropped  ripe  berries  in  his 
path,  for  he  no  longer  broke  their  eggs,  or  hurt 
their  little  ones. 

And  when  the  flowers  saw  this,  and  found 
the  once  cruel  Elf  now  watering  and  tending 
little  buds,  feeding  hungry  insects,  and  helping 
the  busy  ants  to  bear  their  heavy  loads,  they 
shared  the  pity  of  the  birds,  and  longed  to 
trust  him  ;  but  they  dared   not  yet. 

He  came  one  day,  while  wandering  through 
the  garden,  to  the  little  rose  he  had  once  harmed 
so  sadly.  Many  buds  now  bloomed  beside  her, 
and  her  soft  face  glowed  with  motherly  pride, 
as  she  bent  fondly  over  them.  But  when  Thistle 
came,  he  saw  with  sorrow  how  she  bade  them 
close  their  green  curtains,  and  conceal  them- 
selves beneath  the  leaves,  for  there  was  danger 


FLOWER    FABLES.  91 

near ;  and,  drooping  still  more  closely  over  them, 
she  seemed  to  wait  with  trembling  fear  the  cruel 
Fairy's  coming. 

But  no  rude  hand  tore  her  little  ones  away, 
no  unkind  words  were  spoken  ;  but  a  soft  shower 
of  dew  fell  lightly  on  them,  and  Thistle,  bend- 
ing tenderly  above  them,   said,  — 

"  Dear  flower,  forgive  the  sorrow  I  once 
brought  you,  and  trust  me  now  for  Lily-Bell's 
sake.  Her  gentleness  has  changed  my  cruelty 
to  kindness,  and  I  would  gladly  repay  all  for 
the  harm  I  have  done;  but  none  will  love  and 
trust  me  now." 

Then  the  little  rose  looked  up,  and  while  the 
dew-drops  shone  like  happy  tears  upon  her 
leaves,   she  said,  — 

"  I  will  love  and  trust  you,  Thistle,  for  you 
are  indeed  much  changed.  Make  your  home 
among  us,  and  my  sister  flowers  will  soon  learn 
to  love  you  as  you  deserve.  Not  for  sweet 
Lily-Bell's  sake,  but  for  your  own,  will  I  be- 
come your  friend  ;  for  you  are  kind  and  gentle 
now,  and  worthy  of  our  love.  Look  up,  my 
little  ones,  there  is  no  danger  near;  look  up, 
and  welcome   Thistle   to   our   home." 


92 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Then  the  little  buds  raised  their  rosy  faces, 
danced  again  upon  their  stems,  and  nodded 
kindly  at  Thistle,  who  smiled  on  them  through 
happy  tears,  and  kissed  the  sweet,  forgiving  rose, 
who  loved  and  trusted  him  when  most  forlorn 
and  friendless. 

But  the  other  flowers  wondered  among  them- 
selves,  and    Hyacinth   said, — 

"  If  Rose- Leaf  is  his  friend,  surely  we  may 
be ;  yet  still  I  fear  he  may  soon  grow  weary 
of  this  gentleness,  and  be  again  the  wicked 
Fairy  he  once  was,  and  we  shall  suffer  for  our 
kindness   to    him   now." 

"  Ah,  do  not  doubt  him !  "  cried  warm-hearted 
little  Mignonette ;  "  surely  some  good  spirit  has 
changed  the  wicked  Thistle  into  this  good  little 
Elf.  See  how  tenderly  he  lifts  aside  the  leaves 
that  overshadow  pale  Harebell,  and  listen  now 
how  softly  he  sings  as  he  rocks  little  Eglantine 
to  sleep.  He  has  done  many  friendly  things, 
though  none  save  Rose-Leaf  has  been  kind 
to  him,  and  he  is  very  sad.  Last  night  when 
I  awoke  to  draw  my  curtains  closer,  he  sat 
weeping  in  the  moonlight,  so  bitterly,  I  longed 
to  speak  a  kindly  word  to  him.  Dear  sisters, 
let  us  trust  him." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  93 

And  they  all  said  little  Mignonette  was  right ; 
and,  spreading  wide  their  leaves,  they  bade  him 
come,  and  drink  their  dew,  and  lie  among  the 
fragrant  petals,  striving  to  cheer  his  sorrow. 
Thistle  told  them  all,  and,  after  much  whisper- 
ing together,  they  said,  — 

"  Yes,  we  will  help  you  to  find  the  Earth 
Spirits,  for  you  are  striving  to  be  good,  and 
for  love  of  Lily-Bell  we  will  do  much  for  you." 

So  they  called  a  little  bright-eyed  mole,  and 
said,  "  Downy-Back,  we  have  given  you  a  pleas- 
ant home  among  our  roots,  and  you  are  a  grate- 
ful little  friend ;  so  will  you  guide  dear  Thistle 
to  the  Earth   Spirits'  home?" 

Downy-Back  said,  "  Yes,"  and  Thistle,  thank- 
ing the  kindly  flowers,  followed  his  little  guide, 
through  long,  dark  galleries,  deeper  and  deeper 
into  the  ground ;  while  a  glow-worm  flew  before 
to  light  the  way.  On  they  went,  and  after  a 
while,  reached  a  path  lit  up  by  bright  jewels 
hung  upon  the  walls.  Here  Downy-Back,  and 
Glimmer,  the  glow-worm,  left  him,  saying,  — 

"  We  can  lead  you  no  farther ;  you  must 
now  go  on  alone,  and  the  music  of  the  Spirits 
will  guide  you  to  their  home." 


94 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Then  they  went  quickly  up  the  winding  path, 
and  Thistle,  guided  by  the  sweet  music,  went 
on  alone. 

He  soon  reached  a  lovely  spot,  whose  golden 
halls  were  bright  with  jewels,  which  sparkled 
brightly,  and  threw  many-colored  shadows  on 
the  shining  garments  of  the  little  Spirits,  who 
danced  below  to  the  melody  of  soft,  silvery 
bells. 

Long  Thistle  stood  watching  the  brilliant 
forms  that  flashed  and  sparkled  round  him  ;  but 
he  missed  the  flowers  and  the  sunlight,  and  re- 
joiced that  he  was  not  an  Earth   Spirit. 

At  last  they  spied  him  out,  and,  gladly  wel- 
coming him,  bade  him  join  in  their  dance.  But 
Thistledown  was  too  sad  for  that,  and  when 
he  told  them  all  his  story  they  no  longer  urged, 
but  sought  to  comfort  him  ;  and  one  whom  they 
called  little  Sparkle  (for  her  crown  and  robe 
shone  with  the  brightest  diamonds,  said) :  "  You 
will  have  to  work  for  us,  ere  you  can  win  a 
gift  to  show  the  Brownies  ;  do  you  see  those 
golden  bells  that  make  such  music,  as  we 
wave  them  to  and  fro  ?  We  worked  long  and 
hard   ere    they    were    won,   and   you    can   win 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


95 


one  of  those,  if  you  will  do  the  task  we  give 
you." 

And  Thistle  said,  "  No  task  will  be  too  hard 
for  me  to  do  for  dear   Lily-Bell's  sake." 

Then  they  led  him  to  a  strange,  dark  place, 
lit  up  with  torches ;  where  troops  of  Spirits 
flew  busily  to  and  fro,  among  damp  rocks,  and 
through  dark  galleries  that  led  far  down  into 
the  earth.  "  What  do  they  here  ? "  asked 
Thistle. 

"  I  will  tell,"  replied  little  Sparkle,  « for  I 
once  worked  here  myself.  Some  of  them  watch 
above  the  flower-roots,  and  keep  them  fresh  and 
strong ;  others  gather  the  clear  drops  that  trickle 
from  the  damp  rocks,  and  form  a  little  spring, 
which,  growing  ever  larger,  rises  to  the  light 
above,  and  gushes  forth  in  some  green  field  or 
lonely  forest ;  where  the  wild-birds  come  to 
drink,  and  wood-flowers  spread  their  thirsty 
leaves  above  the  clear,  cool  waves,  as  they  go 
dancing  away,  carrying  joy  and  freshness  wher- 
ever they  go.  Others  shape  the  bright  jewels 
into  lovely  forms,  and  make  the  good-luck  pen- 
nies which  we  give  to  mortals  whom  we  love. 
And  here  you  must  toil  till  the  golden  flower  is 
won."  j 


96 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Then  Thistle  went  among  the  Spirits,  and 
joined  in  their  tasks  ;  he  tended  the  flower-roots, 
gathered  the  water-drops,  and  formed  the  good- 
luck  pennies.  Long  and  hard  he  worked,  and 
was  often  sad  and  weary,  often  tempted  by  un- 
kind and  selfish  thoughts;  but  he  thought  of 
Lily-Bell,  and  strove  to  be  kind  and  loving  as 
she  had  been ;  and  soon  the  Spirits  learned  to 
love  the  patient  Fairy,  who  had  left  his  home  to 
toil  among  them  for  the  sake  of  his  gentle  friend. 

At  length  came  little  Sparkle  to  him,  saying, 
"  You  have  done  enough  ;  come  now,  and  dance 
and  feast  with  us,  for  the  golden  flower  is  won." 

But  Thistle  could  not  stay,  for  half  his  task 
was  not  yet  done  ;  and  he  longed  for  sunlight 
and  Lily-Bell.  So,  taking  a  kind  farewell,  he 
hastened  through  the  torch-lit  path  up  to  the  light 
again ;  and,  spreading  his  wings,  flew  over  hill 
and  dale  till  he  reached  the  forest  where  Lily- 
Bell  lay  sleeping. 

It  was  early  morning,  and  the  rosy  light  shone 
brightly  through  the  lily-leaves  upon  her,  as  This- 
tle entered,  and  laid  his  first  gift  at  the  Brownie 
King's  feet. 

"  You  have  done  well,"  said  he,  "  we  hear  good 


FLOWER    FABLES.  97 

tidings  of  you  from  bird  and  flower,  and  you  are 
truly  seeking  to  repair  the  evil  you  have  done. 
Take  now  one  look  at  your  little  friend,  and  then 
go  forth  to  seek  from  the  Air  Spirits  your  second 
gift." 

Then  Thistle  said  farewell  again  to  Lily-Bell, 
and  flew  far  and  wide  among  the  clouds,  seeking 
the  Air  Spirits ;  but  though  he  wandered  till  his 
weary  wings  could  bear  him  no  longer,  it  was  in 
vain.  So,  faint  and  sad,  he  lay  down  to  rest  on 
a  broad  vine-leaf,  that  fluttered  gently  in  the 
wind;  and  as  he  lay,  he  saw  beneath  him  the 
home  of  the  kind  bees  whom  he  had  so  dis- 
turbed, and  Lily-Bell  had  helped  and  comforted. 

"  I  will  seek  to  win  their  pardon,  and  show 
them  that  I  am  no  longer  the  cruel  Fairy  who  so 
harmed  them,"  thought  Thistle,  "  and  when  they 
become  again  my  friends,  I  will  ask  their  help  to 
find  the  Air  Spirits  ;  and  if  I  deserve  it,  they  will 
gladly  aid  me  on  my  way." 

So  he  flew  down  into  the  field  below,  and  has- 
tened busily  from  flower  to  flower,  till  he  had 
filled  a  tiny  blue-bell  with  sweet,  fresh  honey. 
Then  he  stole  softly  to  the  hive,  and,  placing  it 
near  the  door,  concealed  himself  to  watch.     Soon 


98  FLOWER    FABLES. 

his  friend  Nimble- Wing  came  flying  home,  and 
when  he  spied  the  little  cup,  he  hummed  with 
joy,  and  called  his  companions  around  him. 

"  Surely,  some  good  Elf  has  placed  it  here  for 
us,"  said  they  ;  "  let  us  bear  it  to  our  Queen  ;  it  is 
so  fresh  and  fragrant  it  will  be  a  fit  gift  for  her  "  ; 
and  they  joyfully  took  it  in,  little  dreaming  who 
had  placed  it  there. 

So  each  day  Thistle  filled  a  flower-cup,  and 
laid  it  at  the  door ;  and  each  day  the  bees  won- 
dered more  and  more,  for  many  strange  things 
happened.  The  field-flowers  told  of  the  good 
spirit  who  watched  above  them,  and  the  birds 
sang  of  the  same  kind  little  Elf  bringing  soft 
moss  for  their  nests,  and  food  for  their  hungry 
young  ones ;  while  all  around  the  hive  had  grown 
fairer  since  the  Fairy  came. 

But  the  bees  never  saw  him,  for  he  feared  he 
had  not  yet  done  enough  to  win  their  forgiveness 
and  friendship ;  so  he  lived  alone  among  the 
vines,  daily  bringing  them  honey,  and  doing 
some  kindly  action. 

At  length,  as  he  lay  sleeping  in  a  flower-bell,  a 
little  bee  came  wandering  by,  and  knew  him  for 
the  wicked  Thistle ;  so  he  called  his  friends,  and, 
as  they  flew  murmuring  around  him,  he  awoke. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  99 

"What  shall  we  do  to  you,  naughty  Elf?" 
said  they.  "  You  are  in  our  power,  and  we  will 
sting  you  if  you  are  not  still." 

"Let  us  close  the  flower-leaves  around  him 
and  leave  him  here  to  starve,"  cried  one,  who  had 
not  yet  forgotten  all  the  sorrow  Thistle  had 
caused  them  long  ago. 

"  No,  no,  that  were  very  cruel,  dear  Buzz,"  said 
little  Hum ;  "  let  us  take  him  to  our  Queen,  and 
she  will  tell  us  how  to  show  our  anger  for  the 
wicked  deeds  he  did.  See  how  bitterly  he 
weeps;  be  kind  to  him,  he  will  not  harm  us 
more." 

"  You  good  little  Hum !  "  cried  a  kind-hearted 
robin  who  had  hopped  near  to  listen  to  the  bees. 
"  Dear  friends,  do  you  not  know  that  this  is  the 
good  Fairy  who  has  dwelt  so  quietly  among  us, 
watching  over  bird  and  blossom,  giving  joy  to  all 
he  helps  ?  It  is  he  who  brings  the  honey-cup 
each  day  to  you,  and  then  goes  silently  away, 
that  you  may  never  know  who  works  so  faith- 
fully for  you.  Be  kind  to  him,  for  if  he  has  done 
wrong,  he  has  repented  of  it,  as  you  may  see." 

"  Can  this  be  naughty  Thistle  ?  "  said  Nimble- 
Wing. 


100  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Yes,  it  is  I,"  said  Thistle,  "  but  no  longer 
cruel  and  unkind.  I  have  tried  to  win  your  love 
by  patient  industry.  Ah,  trust  me  now,  and  you 
shall  see  I  am  not  naughty  Thistle  any  more." 

Then  the  wondering  bees  led  him  to  their 
Queen,  and  when  he  had  told  his  tale,  and 
begged  their  forgiveness,  it  was  gladly  given; 
and  all  strove  to  show  him  that  he  ivas  loved 
and  trusted.  Then  he  asked  if  they  could  tell 
him  where  the  Air  Spirits  dwelt,  for  he  must  not 
forget  dear  Lily-Bell;  and  to  his  great  joy  the 
Queen  said,  "  Yes,"  and  bade  little  Hum  guide 
Thistle  to  Cloud-Land. 

Little  Hum  joyfully  obeyed  ;  and  Thistle  fol- 
lowed him,  as  he  flew  higher  and  higher  among 
the  soft  clouds,  till  in  the  distance  they  saw  a  ra- 
diant light. 

"  There  is  their  home,  and  I  must  leave  you 
now,  dear  Thistle,"  said  the  little  bee ;  and,  bid- 
ding him  farewell,  he  flew  singing  back  ;  while 
Thistle,  following  the  light,  soon  found  himself 
in  the  Air  Spirits'  home. 

The  sky  was  gold  and  purple  like  an  autumn 
sunset,  and  long  walls  of  brilliant  clouds  lay 
round  him.     A  rosy  light  shone  through  the  sil- 


FLOWER    FABLES.  101 

ver  mist,  on  gleaming  columns  and  the  rainbow 
roof;  soft,  fragrant  winds  went  whispering  by, 
and  airy  little  forms  were  flitting  to  and  fro. 

Long  Thistle  wondered  at  the  beauty  round 
him ;  and  then  he  went  among  the  shining  Spir- 
its, told  his  tale,  and  asked  a  gift. 

But  they  answered  like  the  Earth  Spirits. 
"  You  must  serve  us  first,  and  then  we  will  glad- 
ly give  you  a  robe  of  sunlight  like  our  own." 

And  then  they  told  him  how  they  wafted 
flower-seeds  over  the  earth,  to  beautify  and 
brighten  lonely  spots  ;  how  they  watched  above 
the  blossoms  by  day,  and  scattered  dews  at 
night,  brought  sunlight  into  darkened  places, 
and  soft  winds  to  refresh  and  cheer. 

"  These  are  the  things  we  do,"  said  they,  "  and 
you  must  aid  us  for  a  time." 

And  Thistle  gladly  went  with  the  lovely  Spir- 
its; by  day  he  joined  the  sunlight  and  the  breeze 
in  their  silent  work  ;  by  night,  with  Star-Light 
and  her  sister  spirits,  he  flew  over  the  moon-lit 
earth,  dropping  cool  dew  upon  the  folded  flow- 
ers, and  bringing  happy  dreams  to  sleeping  mor- 
tals. Many  a  kind  deed  was  done,  many  a 
gentle  word  was  spoken;   and  each  day  lighter 


102  FLOWER    FABLES. 

grew  his  heart,  and  stronger  his  power  of  giving 
joy  to  others. 

At  length  Star- Light  bade  him  work  no  more, 
and  gladly  gave  him  the  gift  he  had  won.  Then 
his  second  task  was  done,  and  he  flew  gayly  back 
to  the  green  earth  and  slumbering  Lily-Bell. 

The  silvery  moonlight  shone  upon  her,  as  he 
came  to  give  his  second  gift ;  and  the  Brownie 
spoke  more  kindly  than  before. 

"  One  more  trial,  Thistle,  and  she  will  awake. 
Go  bravely  forth  and  win  your  last  and  hardest 

gift" 

Then  with  a  light  heart  Thistle  journeyed 
away  to  the  brooks  and  rivers,  seeking  the  Wa- 
ter Spirits.  But  he  looked  in  vain ;  till,  wander- 
ing through  the  forest  where  the  Brownies  took 
him  captive,  he  stopped  beside  the  quiet  lake. 

As  he  stood  here  he  heard  a  sound  of  pain, 
and,  looking  in  the  tall  grass  at  his  side,  he  saw 
the  dragon-fly  whose  kindness  he  once  repayed 
by  pain  and  sorrow,  and  who  now  lay  suffering 
and  alone. 

Thistle  bent  tenderly  beside  him,  saying, 
"  Dear   Flutter,  do  not  fear  me.     I  will  gladly 


FLOWER    FABLES.  103 

ease  your  pain,  if  you  will  let  me;  I  am  your 
friend,  and  long  to  show  you  how  I  grieve  for  all 
the  wrong  I  did  you,  when  you  were  so  kind  to 
me.     Forgive,  and  let  me  help  and  comfort  you." 

Then  he  bound  up  the  broken  wing,  and  spoke 
so  tenderly  that  Flutter  doubted  him  no  longer, 
and  was  his  friend  again. 

Day  by  day  did  Thistle  watch  beside  him, 
making  little  beds  of  cool,  fresh  moss  for  him  to 
rest  upon,  fanning  him  when  he  slept,  and  sing- 
ing sweet  songs  to  cheer  Kim  when  awake.  And 
often  when  poor  Flutter  longed  to  be  dancing 
once  again  over  the  blue  waves,  the  Fairy  bore 
him  in  his  arms  to  the  lake,  and  on  a  broad  leaf, 
with  a  green  flag  for  a  sail,  they  floated  on  the 
still  water ;  while  the  dragon-fly's  companions 
flew  about  them,  playing  merry  games. 

At  length  the  broken  wing  was  well,  and  This- 
tle said  he  must  again  seek  the  Water  Spirits. 
"  I  can  tell  you  where  to  find  them,"  said  Flut- 
ter ;  "  you  must  follow  yonder  little  brook,  and  it 
will  lead  you  to  the  sea,  where  the  Spirits  dwell. 
I  would  gladly  do  more  for  you,  dear  Thistle, 
but  I  cannot,  for  they  live  deep  beneath  the 
waves.  You  will  find  some  kind  friend  to  aid 
you  on  your  way  ;  and  so  farewell." 


104 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Thistle  followed  the  little  brook,  as  it  flowed 
through  field  and  valley,  growing  ever  larger,  till 
it  reached  the  sea.  Here  the  wind  blew  freshly, 
and  the  great  waves  rolled  and  broke  at  Thistle's 
feet,  as  he  stood  upon  the  shore,  watching  the 
billows  dancing  and  sparkling  in  the  sun. 

"  How  shall  I  find  the  Spirits  in  this  great  sea, 
with  none  to  help  or  guide  me  ?  Yet  it  is  my 
last  task,  and  for  Lily-Bell's  sake  I  must  not  fear 
or  falter  now,"  said  Thistle.  So  he  flew  hither 
and  thither  over  the  "sea,  looking  through  the 
waves.  Soon  he  saw,  far  below,  the  branches  of 
the  coral  tree. 

"  They  must  be  here,"  thought  he,  and,  folding 
his  wings,  he  plunged  into  the  deep,  cold  sea. 
But  he  saw  only  fearful  monsters  and  dark 
shapes  that  gathered  round  him  ;  and,  trembling 
with  fear,  he  struggled  up  again. 

The  great  waves  tossed  him  to  and  fro,  and 
cast  him  bruised  and  faint  upon  the  shore.  Here 
he  lay  weeping  bitterly,  till  a  voice  beside  him 
said,  "Poor  little  Elf,  what  has  befallen  you? 
These  rough  waves  are  not  fit  playmates  for  so 
delicate  a  thing  as  you.  Tell  me  your  sorrow, 
and  I  will  comfort  you." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  105 

And  Thistle,  looking  up,  saw  a  white  sea-bird 
at  his  side,  who  tried  with  friendly  words  to 
cheer  him.  So  he  told  all  his  wanderings,  and 
how  he  sought  the  Sea  Spirits. 

"  Surely,  if  bee  and  blossom  do  their  part  to 
help  you,  birds  should  aid  you  too,"  said  the  Sea- 
bird.  "  I  will  call  my  friend,  the  Nautilus,  and 
he  will  bear  you  safely  to  the  Coral  Palace  where 
the  Spirits  dwell."  So,  spreading  his  great  wings, 
he  flew  away,  and  soon  Thistle  saw  a  little  boat 
come  dancing  over  the  waves,  and  wait  beside 
the  shore  for  him. 

In  he  sprang.  Nautilus  raised  his  little  sail 
to  the  wind,  and  the  light  boat  glided  swiftly 
over  the  blue  sea.  At  last  Thistle  cried,  "  I  see 
lovely  arches  far  below ;  let  me  go,  it  is  the  Spir- 
its' home." 

"  Nay,  close  your  eyes,  and  trust  to  me.  I 
will  bear  you  safely  down>"  said  Nautilus. 

So  Thistle  closed  his  eyes,  and  listened  to  the 
murmur  of  the  sea,  as  they  sank  slowly  through 
the  waves.  The  soft  sound  lulled  him  to  sleep, 
and  when  he  awoke  the  boat  was  gone,  and  he 
stood  among  the  Water  Spirits,  in  their  strange 
and  lovely  home. 


106 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


Lofty  arches  of  snow-white  coral  bent  above 
him,  and  the  walls  of  brightly  tinted  shells  were 
wreathed  with  lovely  sea-flowers,  and  the   sun- 
light shining  on  the  waves  cast  silvery  shadows 
on  the  ground,  where  sparkling  stones  glowed  in 
the  sand.     A  cool,  fresh  wind  swept  through  the 
waving  garlands  of  bright  sea-moss,  and  the  dis- 
tant murmur  of  dashing  waves  came  softly  on 
the  air.     Soon  troops  of  graceful  Spirits  flitted 
by,  and  when  they  found  the  wondering  Elf,  they 
gathered  round  him,  bringing  pearl-shells  heaped 
with   precious   stones,  and  all  the  rare,  strange 
gifts   that   lie   beneath    the    sea.      But    Thistle 
wished  for  none  of  these,  and  when  his  tale  was 
told,  the  kindly  Spirits   pitied    him ;    and   little 
Pearl  sighed,  as  she  told  him  of  the  long  and 
weary  task  he  must  perform,  ere  he  could  win  a 
crown  of  snow-white  pearls  like  those  they  wore. 
But  Thistle  had  gained  strength  and  courage  in 
his  wanderings,   and  did  not  falter  now,  when 
they  led  him  to  a  place  among  the  coral-workers, 
and  told  him  he  must  labor  here,  till  the  spread- 
ing branches  reached  the  light  and  air,  through 
the  waves  that  danced  above. 

With  a  patient  hope  that  he  might   yet   be 


FLOWER    FABLES.  107 

worthy  of  Lily-Bell,  the  Fairy  left  the  lovely 
spirits  and  their  pleasant  home,  to  toil  among 
the  coral-builders,  where  all  was  strange  and  dim. 
Long,  long,  he  worked ;  but  still  the  waves 
rolled  far  above  them,  and  his  task  was  not 
yet  done  ;  and  many  bitter  tears  poor  Thistle 
shed,  and  sadly  he  pined  for  air  and  sunlight, 
the  voice  of  birds,  and  breath  of  flowers.  Often, 
folded  in  the  magic  garments  which  the  Spirits 
gave  him,  that  he  might  pass  unharmed  among 
the  fearful  creatures  dwelling  there,  he  rose  to 
the  surface  of  the  sea,  and,  gliding  through  the 
waves,  gazed  longingly  upon  the  hills,  now  look- 
ing blue  and  dim  so  far  away,  or  watched  the 
flocks  of  summer  birds,  journeying  to  a  warmer 
land ;  and  they  brought  sad  memories  of  green 
old  forests,  and  sunny  fields,  to  the  lonely  little 
Fairy  floating  on  the  great,  wild  sea. 

Day  after  day  went  by,  and  slowly  Thistle's 
task  drew  towards  an  end.  Busily  toiled  the 
coral-workers,  but  more  busily  toiled  he ;  insect 
and  Spirit  daily  wondered  more  and  more,  at 
the  industry  and  patience  of  the  silent  little 
Elf,  who  had  a  friendly  word  for  all,  though 
he  never  joined  them  in  their  sport. 


108  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Higher  and  higher  grew  the  coral-boughs, 
and  lighter  grew  the  Fairy's  heart,  while  thoughts 
of  dear  Lily-Bell  cheered  him  on,  as  day  by 
day  he  steadily  toiled ;  and  when  at  length 
the  sun  shone  on  his  work,  and  it  was  done, 
he  stayed  but  to  take  the  garland  he  had  won, 
and  to  thank  the  good  Spirits  for  their  love 
and  care.  Then  up  through  the  cold,  blue  waves 
he  swiftly  glided,  and,  shaking  the  bright  drops 
from  his  wings,  soared  singing  up  to  the  sunny 
sky. 

On  through  the  fragrant  air  went  Thistle, 
looking  with  glad  face  upon  the  fair,  fresh  earth 
below,  where  flowers  looked  smiling  up,  and 
green  trees  bowed  their  graceful  heads  as  if  to 
welcome  him.  Soon  the  forest  where  Lily-Bell 
lay  sleeping  rose  before  him,  and  as  he  passed 
along  the  cool,  dim  wood-paths,  never  had  they 
seemed  so  fair. 

But  when  he  came  where  his  little  friend  had 
slept,  it  was  no  longer  the  dark,  silent  spot  where 
he  last  saw  her.  Garlands  hung  from  every 
tree,  and  the  fairest  flowers  filled  the  air  with 
their  sweet  breath.     Bird's   gay   voices   echoed 


FLOWER    FABLES.  109 

far  and  wide,  and  the  little  brook  went  singing 
by,  beneath  the  arching  ferns  that  bent  above 
it;  green  leaves  rustled  in  the  summer  wind, 
and  the  air  was  full  of  music.  But  the  fairest 
sight  was  Lily-Bell,  as  she  lay  on  the  couch 
of  velvet  moss  that  Fairy  hands  had  spread. 
The  golden  flower  lay  beside  her,  and  the  glitter- 
ing robe  was  folded  round  her  little  form.  The 
warmest  sunlight  fell  upon  her,  and  the  softest 
breezes  lifted  her  shining  hair. 

Happy  tears  fell  fast,  as  Thistle  folded  his 
arms  around  her,  crying,  "  O  Lily-Bell,  dear 
Lily-Bell,  awake !  I  have  been  true  to  you,  and 
now  my  task  is  done." 

Then,  with  a  smile,  Lily-Bell  awoke,  and 
looked  with  wondering  eyes  upon  the  beauty 
that  had  risen  round   her. 

"  Dear  Thistle,  what  mean  these  fair  things, 
and  why  are  we  in  this  lovely  place  ?  " 

"  Listen,  Lily-Bell,"  said  the  Brownie  King, 
as  he  appeared  beside  her.  And  then  he  told  all 
that  Thistle  had  done  to  show  his  love  for  her ; 
how  he  had  wandered  far  and  wide  to  seek 
the  Fairy  gifts,  and  toiled  long  and  hard  to  win 
them  ;  how  he  had  been  loving,  true,  and  tender, 
when  most  lonely  and  forsaken. 


110  .         FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Bird,  bee,  and  blossom  have  forgiven  him, 
and  none  is  more  loved  and  trusted  now  by 
all,  than  the  once  cruel  Thistle,"  said  the  King, 
as  he  bent  down  to  the  happy  Elf,  who  bowed 
low  before  him. 

"  You  have  learned  the  beauty  of  a  gentle, 
kindly  heart,  dear  Thistle ;  and  you  are  now 
worthy  to  become  the  friend  of  her  for  whom 
you  have  done  so  much.  Place  the  crown 
upon  her  head,  for  she  is  Queen  of  all  the 
Forest  Fairies  now." 

And  as  the  crown  shone  on  the  head  that 
Lily-Bell  bent  down  on  Thistle's  breast,  the 
forest  seemed  alive  with  little  forms,  who  sprang 
from  flower  and  leaf,  and  gathered  round  her, 
bringing  gifts  for  their  new  Queen. 

"  If  I  am  Queen,  then  you  are  King,  dear 
Thistle,"  said  the  Fairy.  "  Take  the  crown, 
and  I  will  have  a  wreath  of  flowers.  You  have 
toiled  and  suffered  for  my  sake,  and  you  alone 
should  rule  over  these  little  Elves  whose  love 
you  have  won." 

"  Keep  your  crown,  Lily-Bell,  for  yonder 
come  the  Spirits  with  their  gifts  to  Thistle," 
said  the  Brownie.    And,  as  he  pointed  with  his 


FLOWER    FABLES.  Ill 

wand,  out  from  among  the  mossy  roots  of  an 
old  tree  came  trooping  the  Earth  Spirits,  their 
flower-bells  ringing  softly  as  they  came,  and 
their  jewelled  garments  glittering  in  the  sun. 
On  to  where  Thistledown  stood  beneath  the 
shadow  of  the  flowers,  with  Lily-Bell  beside 
him,  went  the  Spirits ;  and  then  forth  sprang 
little  Sparkle,  waving  a  golden  flower,  whose 
silvery  music  filled  the  air.  "  Dear  Thistle," 
said  the  shining  Spirit,  "  what  you  toiled  so 
faithfully  to  win  for  another,  let  us  offer  now 
as  a  token  of  our  love  for  you." 

As  she  ceased,  down  through  the  air  came 
floating  bands  of  lovely  Air  Spirits,  bringing 
a  shining  robe,  and  they  too  told  their  love  for 
the  gentle  Fairy  who  had  dwelt  with  them. 

Then  softly  on  the  breeze  came  distant  music, 
growing  ever  nearer,  till  over  the  rippling  waves 
came  the  singing  Water  Spirits,  in  their  boats 
of  many-colored  shells  ;  and  as  they  placed  their 
glittering  crown  on  Thistle's  head,  loud  rang 
the  flowers,  and  joyously  sang  the  birds,  while 
all  the  Forest  Fairies  cried,  with  silvery  voices, 
"  Lily-Bell  and  Thistledown !  Long  live  our 
King  and  Queen  !  " 
8 


112 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


"  Have  you  a  tale  for  us  too,  dear  Violet- 
Eye  ?  "  said  the  Queen,  as  Zephyr  ceased.  The 
little  Elf  thus  named  looked  from  among  the 
flower-leaves  where  she  sat,  and  with  a  smile 
replied,  "  As  I  was  weaving  garlands  in  the 
field,  I  heard  a  primrose  tell  this  tale  to  her 
friend  Golden-Rod." 


%<^«& 


Forest  home  of  Little  Bud. 


LITTLE    BUD 


In  a  great  forest,  high  up  among  the  green 
boughs,  lived  Bird  Brown-Breast,  and  his  bright- 
eyed  little  mate.  They  were  now  very  happy ; 
their  home  was  done,  the  four  blue  eggs  lay  in 
the  soft  nest,  and  the  little  wife  sat  still  and 
patient  on  them,  while  the  husband  sang,  and 
told  her  charming  tales,  and  brought  her  sweet 
berries  and  little  worms. 

Things  went  smoothly  on,  till  one  day  she 
found  in  the  nest  a  little  white  egg,  with  a 
golden  band  about  it. 

"  My  friend,"  cried  she,  "  come  and  see  !  Where 
can  this  fine  egg  have  come  from  ?  My  four  are 
here,  and  this  also  ;  what  think  you  of  it  ?  " 

The  husband  shook  his  head  gravely,  and 
said,  "  Be  not  alarmed,  my  love  ;  it  is  doubtless 


114 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


some  good  Fairy  who  has  given  us  this,  and 
we  shall  find  some  gift  within  ;  do  not  let  us 
touch  it,  but  do  you  sit  carefully  upon  it,  and 
we  shall  see  in  time  what  has  been  sent  us." 

So  they  said  nothing  about  it,  and  soon  their 
home  had  four  little  chirping  children  ;  and  then 
the  white  egg  opened,  and,  behold,  a  little  maiden 
lay  singing  within.  Then  how  amazed  were 
they,  and  how  they  welcomed  her,  as  she  lay 
warm  beneath  the  mother's  wing,  and  how  the 
young  birds  did  love  her. 

Great  joy  was  in  the  forest,  and  proud  were 
the  parents  of  their  family,  and  still  more  of 
the  little  one  who  had  come  to  them ;  while  all 
the  neighbors  flocked  in,  to  see  Dame  Brown- 
Breast's  little  child.  And  the  tiny  maiden  talked 
to  them,  and  sang  so  merrily,  that  they  could 
have  listened  for  ever.  Soon  she  was  the  joy 
of  the  whole  forest,  dancing  from  tree  to  tree, 
making  every  nest  her  home,  and  none  were 
ever  so  welcome  as  little  Bud;  and  so  they 
lived  right  merrily  in  the  green  old  forest. 

The  father  now  had  much  to  do  to  supply 
his  family  with  food,  and  choice  morsels  did 
he  bring  little  Bud.     The  wild  fruits  were  her 


FLOWER    FABLES.  115 

food,  the  fresh  dew  in  the  flower-cups  her  drink, 
while  the  green  leaves  served  her  for  little  robes ; 
and  thus  she  found  garments  in  the  flowers  of 
the  field,  and  a  happy  home  with  Mother  Brown- 
Breast  ;  and  all  in  the  wood,  from  the  stately 
trees  to  the  little  mosses  in  the  turf,  were  friends 
to  the  merry  child. 

And  each  day  she  taught  the  young  birds 
sweet  songs,  and  as  their  gay  music  rang  through 
the  old  forest,  the  stern,  dark  pines  ceased  their 
solemn  waving,  that  they  might  hear  the  soft 
sounds  stealing  through  the  dim  wood-paths, 
and  mortal  children  came  to  listen,  saying  softly, 
"  Hear  the  flowers  sing,  and  touch  them  not, 
for  the  Fairies   are  here." 

Then  came  a  band  of  sad  little  Elves  to  Bud, 
praying  that  they  might  hear  the  sweet  music ; 
and  when  she  took  them  by  the  hand,  and  spoke 
gently  to  them,  they  wept  and  said  sadly,  when 
she  asked  them  whence  they  came,  — 

"  We  dwelt  once  in  Fairy-Land,  and  O  how 
happy  were  we  then !  But  alas !  we  were  not 
worthy  of  so  fair  a  home,  and  were  sent  forth 
into  the  cold  world.  Look  at  our  robes,  they  are 
like  the  withered  leaves ;  out  wings  are  dim,,  our 


116  FLOWER    FABLES. 

crowns  are  gone,  and  we  lead  sad,  lonely  lives  in 
this  dark  forest.  Let  us  stay  with  you ;  your  gay 
music  sounds  like  Fairy  songs,  and  you  have 
such  a  friendly  way  with  you,  and  speak  so 
gently  to  us.  It  is  good  to  be  near  one  so  lovely 
and  so  kind ;  and  you  can  tell  us  how  we  may 
again  become  fair  and  innocent.  Say  we  may 
stay  with  you,  kind  little  maiden." 

And  Bud  said,  "Yes,"  and  they  stayed;  but 
her  kind  little  heart  was  grieved  that  they  wept 
so  sadly,  and  all  she  could  say  could  not  make 
them  happy ;  till  at  last  she  said,  — 

"  Do  not  weep,  and  I  will  go  to  Queen  Dew- 
Drop,  and  beseech  her  to  let  you  come  back.  I 
will  tell  her  that  you  are  repentant,  and  will  do 
anything  to  gain  her  love  again ;  that  you  are 
sad,  and  long  to  be  forgiven.  This  will  I  say, 
and  more,  and  trust  she  will  grant  my  prayer." 

"  She  will  not  say  no  to  you,  dear  Bud,"  said 
the  poor  little  Fairies ;  "  she  will  love  you  as  we 
do,  and  if  we  can  but  come  again  to  our  lost 
home,  we  cannot  give  you  thanks  enough.  Go, 
Bud,  and  if  there  be  power  in  Fairy  gifts,  you 
shall  be  as  happy  as  our  hearts'  best  love  can 
make  you." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  117 

The  tidings  of  Bud's  departure  flew  through 
the  forest,  and  all  her  friends  came  to  say  fare- 
well, as  with  the  morning  sun  she  would  go  ;  and 
each  brought  some  little  gift,  for  the  land  of  Fai- 
ries was  far  away,  and  she  must  journey  long. 

"  Nay,  you  shall  not  go  on  your  feet,  my  child," 
said  Mother  Brown-Breast ;  "  your  friend  Golden- 
Wing  shall  carry  you.  Call  him  hither,  that  I 
may  seat  you  rightly,  for  if  you  should  fall  off 
my  heart  would  break." 

Then  up  came  Golden-Wing,  and  Bud  was 
safely  seated  on  the  cushion  of  violet-leaves ;  and 
it  was  really  charming  to  see  her  merry  little  face, 
peeping  from  under  the  broad  brim  of  her  cow- 
slip hat,  as  her  butterfly  steed  stood  waving  his 
bright  wings  in  the  sunlight.  Then  came  the 
bee  with  his  yellow  honey-bags,  which  he  begged 
she  would  take,  and  the  little  brown  spider  that 
lived  under  the  great  leaves  brought  a  veil  for 
her  hat,  and  besought  her  to  wear  it,  lest  the  sun 
should  shine  too  brightly;  while  the  ant  came 
bringing  a  tiny  strawberry,  lest  she  should  miss 
her  favorite  fruit.  The  mother  gave  her  good 
advice,  and  the  papa  stood  with  his  head  on  one 
side,  and  his  round  eyes  twinkling  with  delight, 


118  FLOWER    FABLES. 

to  think  that  his  little  Bud  was  going  to  Fairy- 
Land. 

Then  they  all  sang  gayly  together,  till  she 
passed  out  of  sight  over  the  hills,  and  they  saw 
her  no  more. 

And  now  Bud  left  the  old  forest  far  behind 
her.  Golden- Wing  bore  her  swiftly  along,  and 
she  looked  down  on  the  green  mountains,  and 
the  peasant's  cottages,  that  stood  among  over- 
shadowing trees ;  and  the  earth  looked  bright, 
with  its  broad,  blue  rivers  winding  through  soft 
meadows,  the  singing  birds,  and  flowers,  wTho 
kept  their  bright  eyes  ever  on  the  sky. 

And  she  sang  gayly  as  they  floated  in  the 
clear  air,  while  her  friend  kept  time  with  his 
waving  wings,  and  ever  as  they  went  along  all 
grew  fairer ;  and  thus  they  came  to  Fairy- Land. 

As  Bud  passed  through  the  gates,  she  no 
longer  wondered  that  the  exiled  Fairies  wept 
and  sorrowed  for  the  lovely  home  they  had  lost. 
Bright  clouds  floated  in  the  sunny  sky,  casting 
a  rainbow  light  on  the  Fairy  palaces  below, 
where  the  Elves  were  dancing ;  while  the  low, 
sweet  voices  of  the  singing  flowers  sounded  soft- 


FLOWER    FABLES.  119 

ly  through  the  fragrant  air,  and  mingled  with  the 
music  of  the  rippling  waves,  as  they  flowed  on 
beneath  the  blossoming  vines  that  drooped  above 
them. 

All  was  bright  and  beautiful;  but  kind  little 
Bud  would  not  linger,  for  the  forms  of  the  weep- 
ing Fairies  were  before  her;  and  though  the 
blossoms  nodded  gayly  on  their  stems  to  wel- 
come her,  and  the  soft  winds  kissed  her  cheek, 
she  would  not  stay,  but  on  to  the  Flower  Palace 
she  went,  into  a  pleasant  hall  whose  walls  were 
formed  of  crimson  roses,  amid  whose  leaves  sat 
little  Elves,  making  sweet  music  on  their  harps. 

When  they  saw  Bud,  they  gathered  round  her, 
and  led  her  through  the  flower-wreathed  arches 
to  a  group  of  the  most  beautiful  Fairies,  who 
were  gathered  about  a  stately  lily,  in  whose  fra- 
grant cup  sat  one  whose  purple  robe  and  glitter- 
ing crown  told  she  was  their  Queen. 

Bud  knelt  before  her,  and,  while  tears  streamed 
down  her  little  face,  she  told  her  errand,  and 
pleaded  earnestly  that  the  exiled  Fairies  might 
be  forgiven,  and  not  be  left  to  pine  far  from  their 
friends  and  kindred.  And  as  she  prayed,  many 
wept  with  her ;  and  when  she  ceased,  and  waited 


120  FLOWER    FABLES. 

for  her  answer,  many  knelt  beside  her,  praying 
forgiveness  for  the  unhappy  Elves. 

With  tearful  eyes,  Queen  Dew-Drop  replied, — 
"  Little  maiden,  your  prayer  has  softened  my 
heart.  They  shall  not  be  left  sorrowing  and 
alone,  nor  shall  you  go  back  without  a  kindly 
word  to  cheer  and  comfort  them.  We  will  par- 
don their  fault,  and  when  they  can  bring  hither  a 
perfect  Fairy  crown,  robe,  and  wand,  they  shall 
be  again  received  as  children  of  their  loving 
Queen.  The  task  is  hard,  for  none  but  the  best 
and  purest  can  form  the  Fairy  garments;  yet 
with  patience  they  may  yet  restore  their  robes  to 
their  former  brightness.  Farewell,  good  little 
maiden ;  come  with  them,  for  but  for  you  they 
would  have  dwelt  for  ever  without  the  walls  of 
Fairy-Land." 

"  Good  speed  to  you,  and  farewell,"  cried  they 
all,  as,  with  loving  messages  to  their  poor  friends, 
they  bore  her  to  the  gates. 

Day  after  day  toiled  little  Bud,  cheering  the 
Fairies,  who,  angry  and  disappointed,  would  not 
listen  to  her  gentle  words,  but  turned  away  and 
sat  alone  weeping.     They  grieved  her  kind  heart 


FLOWER    FABLES.  121 

with  many  cruel  words  ;  but  patiently  she  bore 
with  them,  and  when  they  told  her  they  could 
never  perform  so  hard  a  task,  and  must  dwell  for 
ever  in  the  dark  forest,  she  answered  gently,  that 
the  snow-white  lily  must  be  planted,  and  watered 
with  repentant  tears,  before  the  robe  of  innocence 
could  be  won  ;  that  the  sun  of  love  must  shine  in 
their  hearts,  before  the  light  could  return  to  their 
dim  crowns,  and  deeds  of  kindness  must  be  per- 
formed, ere  the  power  would  come  again  to  their 
now  useless  wands. 

Then  they  planted  the  lilies;  but  they  soon 
drooped  and  died,  and  no  light  came  to  their 
crowns.  They  did  no  gentle  deeds,  but  cared 
only  for  themselves  ;  and  when  they  found  then- 
labor  was  in  vain,  they  tried  no  longer,  but  sat 
weeping.  Bud,  with  ceaseless  toil  and  patient 
care,  tended  the  lilies,  which  bloomed  brightly, 
the  crowns  grew  bright,  and  in  her  hands  the 
wands  had  power  over  birds  and  blossoms,  for 
she  was  striving  to  give  happiness  to  others,  for- 
getful of  herself.  And  the  idle  Fairies,  with 
thankful  words,  took  the  garments  from  her,  and 
then  with  Bud  went  forth  to  Fairy-Land,  and 
stood    with    beating   hearts   before   the    gates; 


122 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


where  crowds  of  Fairy  friends  came  forth  to 
welcome  them. 

But  when  Queen  Dew-Drop  touched  them 
with  her  wand,  as  they  passed  in,  the  light 
faded  from  their  crowns,  their  robes  became 
like  withered  leaves,  and  their  wands  were 
powerless. 

Amid  the  tears  of  all  the  Fairies,  the  Queen 
Led  them  to  the  gates,   and  said,  — 

"  Farewell !  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  aid  you  ; 
innocence  and  love  are  not  within  your  hearts, 
and  were  it  not  for  this  untiring  little  maiden, 
who  has  toiled  while  you  have  wept,  you  never 
would  have  entered  your  lost  home.  Go  and 
strive  again,  for  till  all  is  once  more  fair  and 
pure,  I  cannot  call  you  mine." 

"  Farewell !  "  sang  the  weeping  Fairies,  as  the 
gates  closed  on  their  outcast  friends  ;  who,  hum- 
bled and  broken-hearted,  gathered  around  Bud ; 
and  she,  with  cheering  words,  guided  them  back 
to  the  forest. 

Time  passed  on,  and  the  Fairies  had  done 
nothing  to  gain  their  lovely  home  again.  They 
wept  no  longer,  but  watched  little  Bud,  as  she 


FLOWER    FABLES.  123 

daily  tended  the  flowers,  restoring  their  strength 
and  beauty,  or  with  gentle  words  flew  from  nest 
to  nest,  teaching  the  little  birds  to  live  happily 
together ;  and  wherever  she  went  blessings  fell, 
and  loving  hearts  were  rilled  with  gratitude. 

Then,  one  by  one,  the  Elves  secretly  did 
some  little  work  of  kindness,  and  found  a  quiet 
joy  come  back  to  repay  them.  Flowers  looked 
lovingly  up  as  they  passed,  birds  sang  to  cheer 
them  when  sad  thoughts  made  them  weep. 
And  soon  little  Bud  found  out  their  gentle 
deeds,  and  her  friendly  words  gave  them  new 
strength.  So  day  after  day  they  followed  her, 
and  like  a  band  of  guardian  spirits  they  flew 
far  and  wide,  carrying  with  them  joy  and  peace. 

And  not  only  birds  and  flowers  blessed  them, 
but  human  beings  also  ;  for  with  tender  hands 
they  guided  little  children  from  danger,  and  kept 
their  young  hearts  free  from  evil  thoughts  ;  they 
whispered  soothing  words  to  the  sick,  and 
brought  sweet  odors  and  fair  flowers  to  their 
lonely  rooms.  They  sent  lovely  visions  to  the 
old  and  blind,  to  make  their  hearts  young  and 
bright  with  happy  thoughts. 

But  most  tenderly  did  they  watch   over  the 


124 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


poor  and  sorrowing,  and  many  a  poor  mother 
blessed  the  unseen  hands  that  laid  food  before 
her  hungry  little  ones,  and  folded  warm  garments 
round  their  naked  limbs.  Many  a  poor  man 
wondered  at  the  fair  flowers  that  sprang  up  in 
his  little  garden-plot,  cheering  him  with  their 
bright  forms,  and  making  his  dreary  home  fair 
with  their  loveliness,  and  looked  at  his  once 
barren  field,  where  now  wraved  the  golden  corn, 
turning  its  broad  leaves  to  the  warm  sun,  and 
promising  a  store  of  golden  ears  to  give  him 
food  ;  while  the  care-worn  face  grew  bright, 
and  the  troubled  heart  filled  with  gratitude  to- 
wards the  invisible  spirits  who  had  brought  him 
such  joy. 

Thus  time  passed  on,  and  though  the  exiled 
Fairies  longed  often  for  their  home,  still,  know- 
ing they  did  not  deserve  it,  they  toiled  on, 
hoping  one  day  to  see  the  friends  they  had 
lost ;  while  the  joy  of  their  own  hearts  made 
their  life  full  of  happiness. 

One  day  came  little  Bud  to  them,  saying,  — 
"  Listen,  dear  friends.     I  have  a  hard  task  to 
offer  you.     It  is  a  great  sacrifice  for  you  light- 
loving  Fairies  to  dwell  through  the  long  winter 


FLOWER    FABLES.  125 

in  the  dark,  cold  earth,  watching  over  the  flower- 
roots,  to  keep  them  free  from  the  little  grubs  and 
worms  that  seek  to  harm  them.  But  in  the 
sunny  Spring  when  they  bloom  again,  their 
love  and  gratitude  will  give  you  happy  homes 
among  their  bright  leaves. 

"  It  is  a  wearisome  task,  and  I  can  give  you 
no  reward  for  all  your  tender  care,  but  the 
blessings  of  the  gentle  flowers  you  will  have 
saved  from  death.  Gladly  would  I  aid  you ; 
but  my  winged  friends  are  preparing  for  their 
journey  to  warmer  lands,  and  I  must  help  them 
teach  their  little  ones  to  fly,  and  see  them  safely 
on  their  way.  Then,  through  the  winter,  must 
I  seek  the  dwellings  of  the  poor  and  suffering, 
comfort  the  sick  and  lonely,  and  give  hope  and 
courage  to  those  who  in  their  poverty  are  led 
astray.  These  things  must  I  do ;  but  when 
the  flowers  bloom  again  I  will  be  with  you,  to 
welcome  back  our  friends  from  over  the  sea." 

Then,  with  tears,  the  Fairies  answered,  "  Ah, 
good  little  Bud,  you  have  taken  the  hardest 
task  yourself,  and  who  will  repay  you  for  all 
your  deeds  of  tenderness  and  mercy  in  the  great 
world  ?     Should  evil  befall  you,  our  hearts  would 


126  FLOWER    FABLES. 

break.  We  will  labor  trustingly  in  the  earth, 
and  thoughts  of  you  shall  cheer  us  on  ;  for  with- 
out you  we  had  been  worthless  beings,  and  never 
known  the  joy  that  kindly  actions  bring.  Yes, 
dear  Bud,  we  will  gladly  toil  among  the  roots, 
that  the  fair  flowers  may  wear  their  gayest  robes 
to  welcome  you. 

Then  deep  in  the  earth  the  Fairies  dwelt,  and 
no  frost  or  snow  could  harm  the  blossoms  they 
tended.  Every  little  seed  was  laid  in  the  soft 
earth,  watered,  and  watched.  Tender  roots  were 
folded  in  withered  leaves,  that  no  chilling  drops 
might  reach  them  ;  and  safely  dreamed  the  flow- 
ers, till  summer  winds  should  call  them  forth; 
while  lighter  grew  each  Fairy  heart,  as  every 
gentle  deed  was  tenderly  performed. 

At  length  the  snow  was  gone,  and  they  heard 
little  voices  calling  them  to  come  up  ;  but  pa- 
tiently they  worked,  till  seed  and  root  were 
green  and  strong.  Then,  with  eager  feet,  they 
hastened  to  the  earth  above,  where,  over  hill 
and  valley,  bright  flowers  and  budding  trees 
smiled  in  the  warm  sunlight,  blossoms  bent  lov- 
ingly before  them,  and  rang  their  colored  bells, 
till  the  fragrant  air  was   full   of  music ;  while 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


127 


the  stately  trees  waved  their  great  arms  above 
them 5  and  scattered  soft  leaves  at  their  feet. 

Then  came  the  merry  birds,  making  the  wood 
alive  with  their  gay  voices,  calling  to  one  an- 
other, as  they  flew  among  the  vines,  building 
their  little  homes.  Long  waited  the  Elves,  and 
at   last   she   came  wTith   Father  Brown-Breast. 

Happy  days  passed ;  and  summer  flowrers 
were  in  their  fullest  beauty,  when  Bud  bade 
the  Fairies  come  with  her. 

Mounted  on  bright- winged  butterflies,  they 
flew  over  forest  and  meadow,  till  with  joyful 
eyes  they  saw  the  flower-crowned  walls  of  Fairy- 
Land. 

Before  the  gates  they  stood,  and  soon  troops 
of  loving  Elves  came  forth  to  meet  them.  And 
on  through  the  sunny  gardens  they  went,  into 
the  Lily  Hall,  where,  among  the  golden  stamens 
of  a  graceful  flower,  sat  the  Queen;  while  on 
the  broad,  green  leaves  around  it  stood  the  bright- 
eyed  little  maids  of  honor. 

Then,  amid  the  deep  silence,  little  Bud,  lead- 
ing the  Fairies  to  the  throne,  said, — 

"Dear  Queen,  I  here  bring  back  your  sub- 
9 


128  FLOWER    FABLES. 

jects,  wiser  for  their  sorrow,  better  for  their 
hard  trial ;  and  now  might  any  Queen  be  proud 
of  them,  and  bow  to  learn  from  them  that  giving 
joy  and  peace  to  others  brings  it  fourfold  to  us, 
bearing  a  double  happiness  in  the  blessings  to 
those  we  help.  Through  the  dreary  months, 
when  they  might  have  dwelt  among  fair  Southern 
flowers,  beneath  a  smiling  sky,  they  toiled  in 
the  dark  and  silent  earth,  filling  the  hearts  of 
the  gentle  Flower  Spirits  with  grateful  love,  seek- 
ing no  reward  but  the  knowledge  of  their  own 
good  deeds,  and  the  joy  they  always  bring.  This 
they  have  done  unmurmuringly  and  alone ;  and 
now,  far  and  wide,  flower  blessings  fall  upon 
them,  and  the  summer  winds  bear  the  glad 
tidings  unto  those  who  droop  in  sorrow,  and 
new  joy  and  strength  it  brings,  as  they  look 
longingly  for  the  friends  whose  gentle  care  hath 
brought  such  happiness  to  their  fan*  kindred. 

"  Are  they  not  worthy  of  your  love,  dear 
Queen  ?  Have  they  not  won  their  lovely  home  ? 
Say  they  are  pardoned,  and  you  have  gained  the 
love  of  hearts  pure  as  the  snow-white  robes  now 
folded  over  them." 

As  Bud  ceased,   she  touched  the  wondering 


FLOWER    FABLES.  129 

Fairies  with  her  wand,  and  the  dark  faded  gar- 
ments fell  away ;  and  beneath,  the  robes  of  lily- 
leaves  glittered  pure  and  spotless  in  the  sun- 
light. Then,  while  happy  tears  fell,  Queen  Dew- 
Drop  placed  the  bright  crowns  on  the  bowed 
heads  of  the  kneeling  Fairies,  and  laid  before 
them  the  wands  their  own  good  deeds  had 
rendered  powerful. 

They  turned  to  thank  little  Bud  for  all  her 
patient  love,  but  she  was  gone  ;  and  high  above, 
in  the  clear  air,  they  saw  the  little  form  journey- 
ing back  to  the  quiet  forest. 

She  needed  no  reward  but  the  joy  she  had 
given.  The  Fairy  hearts  were  pure  again,  and 
her  work  was  done ;  yet  all  Fairy-Land  had 
learned  a  lesson  from  gentle  little  Bud. 

"  Now,  little  Sunbeam,  what  have  you  to 
tell  us  ?  "  said  the  Queen,  looking  down  on  a 
bright-eyed  Elf,  who  sat  half  hidden  in  the  deep 
moss  at  her  feet. 

"  I  too,  like  Star- Twinkle,  have  nothing  but 
a  song  to  offer,"  replied  the  Fairy  ;  and  then, 
while  the  nightingale's  sweet  voice  mingled  with 
her  own,  she  sang, — 


CLOVER-BLOSSOM. 


In  a  quiet,  pleasant  meadow, 

Beneath  a  summer  sky, 
Where  gi*een  old  trees  their  branches  waved, 

And  winds  went  singing  by  ; 
Where  a  little  brook  went  rippling 

So  musically  low, 
And  passing  clouds  cast  shadows 

On  the  waving  grass  below ; 
Where  low,  sweet  notes  of  brooding  birds 

Stole  out  on  the  fragrant  air, 
And  golden  sunlight  shone  undimmed 

On  all  most  fresh  and  fair  ;  — 
There  bloomed  a  lovely  sisterhood 

Of  happy  little  flowers, 
Together  in  this  pleasant  home, 

Through  quiet  summer  hours. 
No  rude  hand  came  to  gather  them, 

No  chilling  winds  to  blight ; 
"Warm  sunbeams  smiled  on  them  by  day, 

And  soft  dews  fell  at  night. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  131 

So  here,  along  the  hrook-side, 

Beneath  the  green  old  trees, 
The  flowers  dwelt  among  their  friends, 

The  sunbeams  and  the  breeze. 

One  morning,  as  the  flowers  awoke, 

Fragrant,  and  fresh,  and  fair, 
A  little  worm  came  creeping  by, 

And  begged  a  shelter  there. 
"  Ah !  pity  and  love  me,"  sighed  the  worm, 

"  I  am  lonely,  poor,  and  weak ;. 
A  little  spot  for  a  resting-place, 

Dear  flowers,  is  all  I  seek. 
I  am  not  fair,  and  have  dwelt  unloved 

By  butterfly,  bird,  and  bee. 
They  little  knew  that  in  this  dark  form 

Lay  the  beauty  they  yet  may  see. 
Then  let  me  lie  in  the  deep  green  moss, 

And  weave  my  little  tomb, 
And  sleep  my  long,  unbroken  sleep 

Till  Spring's  first  flowers  come. 
Then  will  I  come  in  a  fairer  dress, 

And  your  gentle  care  repay 
By  the  grateful  love  of  the  humble  worm; 

Kind  flowers,  0  let  me  stay !  " 
But  the  wild  rose  showed  her  little  thorns, 
While  her  soft  face  glowed  with  pride  ; 
The  violet  hid  beneath  the  drooping  ferns, 

And  the  daisy  turned  aside. 
Little  Houstonia  scornfully  laughed, 
As  she  danced  on  her  slender  stem  ; 


132  FLOWER    FABLES. 

While  the  cowslip  bent  to  the  rippling  waves, 

And  whispered  the  tale  to  them. 
A  blue-eyed  grass  looked  down  on  the  worm, 

As  it  silently  turned  away, 
And  cried,  "  Thou  wilt  harm  our  delicate  leaves, 

And  therefore  thou  canst  not  stay." 
Then  a  sweet,  soft  voice,  called  out  from  far, 

"  Come  hither,  poor  worm,  to  me ; 
The  sun  lies  warm  in  this  quiet  spot, 

And  I  '11  share  my  home  with  thee.? 
The  wondering  flowers  looked  up  to  see 

Who  had  offered  the  worm  a  home : 
'T  was  a  clover-blossom,  whose  fluttering  leaves 

Seemed  beckoning  him  to  come ; 
It  dwelt  in  a  sunny  little  nook, 

Where  cool  winds  rustled  by,  i 
And  murmuring  bees  and  butterflies  came, 

On  the  flower's  breast  to  lie. 
Down  through  the  leaves  the  sunlight  stole, 

And  seemed  to  linger  there, 
As  if  it  loved  to  brighten  the  home 

Of  one  so  sweet  and  fair. 
Its  rosy  face  smiled  kindly  down, 

As  the  friendless  worm  drew  near ; 
And  its  low  voice,  softly  whispering,  said 

"  Poor  thing,  thou  art  welcome  here  ; 
Close  at  my  side,  in  the  soft  green  moss, 

Thou  wilt  find  a  quiet  bed, 
Where  thou  canst  softly  sleep  till  Spring, 

With  my  leaves  above  thee  spread. 
I  pity  and  love  thee,  friendless  worm, 

Though  thou  art  not  graceful  or  fair; 


FLOWER    FABLES.  133 

For  many  a  dark,  unlovely  form, 

Hath  a  kind  heart  dwelling  there  ; 
No  more  o'er  the  green  and  pleasant  earth, 

Lonely  and  poor,  shalt  thou  roam, 
For  a  loving  friend  hast  thou  found  in  me, 

And  rest  in  my  little  home." 
Then,  deep  in  its  quiet  mossy  bed, 

Sheltered  from  sun  and  shower, 
The  grateful  worm  spun  its  winter  tomb, 

In  the  shadow  of  the  flower. 
And  Clover  guarded  well  its  rest, 

Till  Autumn's  leaves  were  sere, 
Till  all  her  sister  flowers  were  gone, 

And  her  winter  sleep  drew  near. 
Then  her  withered  leaves  were  softly  spread 

O'er  the  sleeping  worm  below, 
Ere  the  faithful  little  flower  lay 

Beneath  the  winter  snow. 

Spring  came  again,  and  the  flowers  rose 

From  their  quiet  winter  graves, 
And  gayly  danced  on  their  slender  stems, 

And  sang  with  the  rippling  waves. 
Softly  the  warm  winds  kissed  their  cheeks ; 

Brightly  the  sunbeams  fell, 
As,  one  by  one,  they  came  again 

In  their  summer  homes  to  dwell. 
And  little  Clover  bloomed  once  more, 

Eosy,  and  sweet,  and  fair, 
And  patiently  watched  by  the  mossy  bed, 

For  the  worm  still  slumbered  there. 


134  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Then  her  sister  flowers  scornfully  cried, 

As  they  waved  in  the  summer  air, 
"  The  ugly  worm  was  friendless  and  poor ; 

Little  Clover,  why  shouldst  thou  care  i 
Then  watch  no  more,  nor  dwell  alone, 

Away  from  thy  sister  flowers  ; 
Come,  dance  and  feast,  and  spend  with  us 

These  pleasant  summer  hours. 
We  pity  thee,  foolish  little  flower, 

To  trust  what  the  false  worm  said ; 
He  will  not  come  in  a  fairer  dress, 

For  he  lies  in  the  green  moss  dead." 
But  little  Clover  still  watched  on, 

Alone  in  her  sunny  home  ; 
She  did  not  doubt  the  poor  worm's  truth, 

And  trusted  he  would  come. 

At  last  the  small  cell  opened  wide, 

And  a  glittering  butterfly, 
From  out  the  moss,  on  golden  wings, 

Soared  up  to  the  sunny  sky. 
Then  the  wondering  flowers  cried  aloud, 

"  Clover,  thy  watch  was  vain  ; 
He  only  sought  a  shelter  here, 

And  never  will  come  again." 
And  the  unkind  flowers  danced  for  joy, 

When  they  saw  him  thus  depart ; 
For  the  love  of  a  beautiful  butterfly 

Is  dear  to  a  flower's  heart. 
They  feared  he  would  stay  in  Clover's  home, 

And  her  tender  care  repay  ; 


FLOWER    FABLES.  135 

So  they  danced  for  joy,  when  at  last  he  rose 

And  silently  flew  away. 
Then  little  Clover  bowed  her  head, 
While  her  soft  tears  fell  like  dew ; 
For  her  gentle  heart  was  grieved,  to  find 

That  her  sisters'  words  were  true, 
And  the  insect  she  had  watched  so  long 

When  helpless,  poor,  and  lone, 
Thankless  for  all  her  faithful  care, 

On  his  golden  wings  had  flown. 
But  as  she  drooped,  in  silent  grief, 

She  heard  little  Daisy  cry, 
"  0  sisters,  look  !    I  see  him  now, 

Afar  in  the  sunny  sky ; 
He  is  floating  back  from  Cloud-Land  now, 

Borne  by  the  fragrant  air. 
Spread  wide  your  leaves,  that  he  may  choose 

The  flower  he  deems  most  fair." 
Then  the  wild  rose  glowed  with  a  deeper  blush, 

As  she  proudly  waved  on  her  stem  ; 
The  Cowslip  bent  to  the  clear  blue  waves, 

And  made  her  mirror  of  them. 
Little  Houstonia  merrily  danced, 

And  spread  her  white  leaves  wide; 
While  Daisy  whispered  her  joy  and  hope, 

As  she  stood  by  her  gay  friends'  side. 
Violet  peeped  from  the  tall  green  ferns, 

And  lifted  her  soft  blue  eye 
To  watch  the  glittering  form,  that  shone 

Afar  in  the  summer  sky. 
They  thought  no  more  of  the  ugly  worm, 

Who  once  had  wakened  their  scorn : 


136 


FLOWER    FABLES. 

But  looked  and  longed  for  the  butterfly  now, 
As  the  soft  wind  bore  him  on. 

Nearer  and  nearer  the  bright  form  came, 

And  fairer  the  blossoms  grew ; 
Each  welcomed  him,  in  her  sweetest  tones  ; 

Each  offered  her  honey  and  dew. 
But  in  vain  did  they  beckon,  and  smile,  and  call, 

And  wider  their  leaves  unclose  ; 
The  glittering  form  still  floated  on, 

By  Violet,  Daisy,  and  Rose. 
Lightly  it  flew  to  the  pleasant  home 

Of  the  flower  most  truly  fair,/ 
On  Clover's  breast  he  softly  lit, 

And  folded  his  bright  wings  there. 
"  Dear  flower,"  the  butterfly  whispered  low, 

"  Long  hast  thou  waited  for  me ; 
Now  I  am  come,  and  my  grateful  love 

Shall  brighten  thy  home  for  thee  ; 
Thou  hast  loved  and  cared  for  me,  when  alone, 

Hast  watched  o'er  me  long  and  well; 
And  now  will  I  strive  to  show  the  thanks 

The  poor  worm  could  not  tell. 
Sunbeam  and  breeze  shall  come  to  thee, 

And  the  coolest  dews  that  fall ; 
Whate'er  a  flower  can  wish  is  thine, 

For  thou  art  worthy  all. 
And  the  home  thou  shared  with  the  friendless  worm 

The  butterfly's  home  shall  be  ; 
And  thou  shalt  find,  dear,  faithful  flower, 

A  loving  friend  in  me." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  137 

Then,  through  the  long,  bright  summer  hours 
Through  sunshine  and  through  shower, 

Together  in  their  happy  home 
Dwelt  butterfly  and  flower. 

"  Ah,  that  is  very  lovely,"  cried  the  Elves, 
gathering  round  little  Sunbeam  as  she  ceased,  to 
place  a  garland  in  her  hair  and  praise  her  song. 

"  Now,"  said  the  Queen,  "  call  hither  Moon- 
light and  Summer- Wind,  for  they  have  seen 
many  pleasant  things  in  their  long  wanderings, 
and  will  gladly  tell  us  them." 

"  Most  joyfully  will  we  do  our  best,  dear 
Queen,"  said  the  Elves,  as  they  folded  their 
wings  beside  her. 

"  Now,  Summer- Wind,"  said  Moonlight,  "  till 
your  turn  comes,  do  you  sit  here  and  fan  me 
while  I  tell  this  tale  of 


LITTLE    ANNIE'S    DREAM; 


OR, 


THE    FAIRY    FLOWER. 


In  a  large  and  pleasant  garden  sat  little  Annie 
all  alone,  and  she  seemed  very  sad,  for  drops 
that  were  not  dew  fell  fast  upon  the  flowers 
beside  her,  who  looked  wonderingly  up,  and 
bent  still  nearer,  as  if  they  longed  to  cheer  and 
comfort  her.  The  warm  wind  lifted  up  her 
shining  hair  and  softly  kissed  her  cheek,  while 
the  sunbeams,  looking  most  kindly  in  her  face, 
made  little  rainbows  in  her  tears,  and  lingered 
lovingly  about  her.  But  Annie  paid  no  heed 
to  sun,  or  wind,  or  flower ;  still  the  bright  tears 
fell,  and  she  forgot  all  but  her  sorrow. 

"  Little  Annie,  tell  me  why  you  weep,"  said 
a  low  voice  in  her  ear ;  and,  looking  up,  the 
child  beheld  a  little  figure  standing  on  a  vine- 


Anna  finds  no  joy  while  a  slave  to  evD  passions. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  139 

leaf  at  her  side  ;  a  lovely  face  smiled  on  her, 
from  amid  bright  locks  of  hair,  and  shining  wings 
were  folded  on  a  white  and  glittering  robe,  that 
fluttered  in  the  wind. 

"  Who  are  you,  lovely  little  thing  ? "  cried 
Annie,  smiling  through  her  tears. 

"  I  am  a  Fairy,  little  child,  and  am  come  to 
help  and  comfort  you  ;  now  tell  me  why  you 
weep,  and  let  me  be  your  friend,"  replied  the 
spirit,  as  she  smiled  more  kindly  still  on  Annie's 
wondering  face. 

"  And  are  you  really,  then,  a  little  Elf,  such 
as  I  read  of  in  my  fairy  books  ?  Do  you  ride 
on  butterflies,  sleep  in  flower-cups,  and  live 
among  the  clouds  ?  " 

"  Yes,  all  these  things  I  do,  and  many  stranger 
still,  that  all  your  fairy  books  can  never  tell ;  but 
now,  dear  Annie,"  said  the  Fairy,  bending  nearer, 
"  tell  me  why  I  found  no  sunshine  on  your  face  ; 
why  are  these  great  drops  shining  on  the  flow- 
ers, and  why  do  you  sit  alone  when  bird  and 
bee  are  calling  you  to  play  ?  " 

"  Ah,  you  will  not  love  me  any  more  if  I 
should  tell  you  all,"  said  Annie,  while  the  tears 
began  to   fall  again  ;  "  I  am  not  happy,  for  I 


140  FLOWER    FABLES. 

am  not  good ;  how  shall  I  learn  to  be  a  patient, 
gentle  child  ?  good  little  Fairy,  will  you  teach 
me  how  ?  " 

"  Gladly  will  I  aid  you,  Annie,  and  if  you 
truly  wish  to  be  a  happy  child,  you  first  must 
learn  to  conquer  many  passions  that  you  cherish 
now,  and  make  your  heart  a  home  for  gentle  feel- 
ings and  happy  thoughts  ;  the  task  is  hard,  but 
I  will  give  this  fairy  flower  to  help  and  counsel 
you.  Bend  hither,  that  I  may  place  it  in  your 
breast ;  no  hand  can  take  it  hence,  till  I  unsay 
the  spell  that  holds  it  there." 

As  thus  she  spoke,  the  Elf  took  from  her 
bosom  a  graceful  flower,  whose  snow-white 
leaves  shone  with  a  strange,  soft  light.  "  This 
is  a  fairy  flower,"  said  the  Elf,  "  invisible  to 
every  eye  save  yours ;  now  listen  while  I  tell 
its  power,  Annie.  When  your  heart  is  filled 
with  loving  thoughts,  when  some  kindly  deed 
has  been  done,  some  duty  well  performed,  then 
from  the  flower  there  will  arise  the  sweetest, 
softest  fragrance,  to  reward  and  gladden  you. 
But  when  an  unkind  word  is  on  your  lips,  when 
a  selfish,  angry  feeling  rises  in  your  heart,  or 
an  unkind,  cruel  deed  is  to  be  done,  then  will 


FLOWER    FABLES.  141 

you  hear  the  soft,  low  chime  of  the  flower-bell ; 
listen  to  its  warning,  let  the  word  remain  un- 
spoken, the  deed  undone,  and  in  the  quiet  joy 
of  your  own  heart,  and  the  magic  perfume  of 
your  bosom  flower,  you  will  find  a  sweet  re- 
ward." 

"  O  kind  and  generous  Fairy,  how  can  I  ever 
thank  you  for  this  lovely  gift !  "  cried  Annie.  "  I 
will  be  true,  and  listen  to  my  little  bell  whenever 
it  may  ring.  But  shall  I  never  see  you  more? 
Ah !  if  you  would  only  stay  with  me,  I  should 
indeed  be  good." 

"  I  cannot  stay  now,  little  Annie,"  said  the 
Elf,  "  but  when  another  Spring  comes  round,  1 
shall  be  here  again,  to  see  how  well  the  fairy 
gift  has  done  its  work.  And  now  farewell,  dear 
child ;  be  faithful  to  yourself,  and  the  magic 
flower  will  never  fade." 

Then  the  gentle  Fairy  folded  her  little  arms 
around  Annie's  neck,  laid  a  soft  kiss  on  her 
cheek,  and,  spreading  wide  her  shining  wings, 
flew  singing  up  among  the  white  clouds  float- 
ing in  the  sky. 

And  little  Annie  sat  among  her  flowers,  and 
watched  with  wondering  joy  the  fairy  blossom 
shining  on  her  breast. 


142 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


The  pleasant  days  of  Spring  and  Summer 
passed  away,  and  in  little  Annie's  garden  Au- 
tumn flowers  were  blooming  everywhere,  with 
each  day's  sun  and  dew  growing  still  more 
beautiful  and  bright ;  but  the  fairy  flower,  that 
should  have  been  the  loveliest  of  all,  hung  pale 
and  drooping  on  little  Annie's  bosom  ;  its  fra- 
grance seemed  quite  gone,  and  the  clear,  low 
music  of  its  warning  chime  rang  often  in  her 
ear. 

When  first  the  Fairy  placed  it  there,  she  had 
been  pleased  with  her  new  gift,  and  for  a  while 
obeyed  the  fairy  bell,  and  often  tried  to  win 
some  fragrance  from  the  flower,  by  kind  and 
pleasant  words  and  actions  ;  then,  as  the  Fairy 
said,  she  found  a  sweet  reward  in  the  strange, 
soft  perfume  of  the  magic  blossom,  as  it  shone 
upon  her  breast ;  but  selfish  thoughts  would 
come  to  tempt  her,  she  would  yield,  and  un- 
kind words  fell  from  her  lips ;  and  then  the 
flower  drooped  pale  and  scentless,  the  fairy 
bell  rang  mournfully,  Annie  would  forget  her 
better  resolutions,  and  be  again  a  selfish,  wilful 
little  child. 

At  last  she  tried  no  longer,  but  grew  angry 


FLOWER    FABLES.  143 

with  the  faithful  flower,  and  would  have  torn 
it  from  her  breast ;  but  the  fairy  spell  still  held 
it  fast,  and  all  her  angry  words  but  made  it  ring 
a  louder,  sadder  peal.  Then  she  paid  no  heed  to 
the  silvery  music  sounding  in  her  ear,  and  each 
day  grew  still  more  unhappy,  discontented,  and 
unkind  ;  so,  when  the  Autumn  days  came  round, 
she  was  no  better  for  the  gentle  Fairy's  gift,  and 
longed  for  Spring,  that  it  might  be  returned  ; 
for  now  the  constant  echo  of  the  mournful  music 
made  her  very  sad. 

One  sunny  morning,  when  the  fresh,  cool  winds 
were  blowing,  and  not  a  cloud  was  in  the  sky, 
little  Annie  walked  among  her  flowers,  looking 
carefully  into  each,  hoping  thus  to  find  the 
Fairy,  who  alone  could  take  the  magic  blos- 
som from  her  breast.  But  she  lifted  up  their 
drooping  leaves,  peeped  into  their  dewy  cups  in 
vain  ;  no  little  Elf  lay  hidden  there,  and  she 
turned  sadly  from  them  all,  saying,  "  I  will  go 
out  into  the  fields  and  woods,  and  seek  her 
there.  I  will  not  listen  to  this  tiresome  music 
more,  nor  wear  this  withered  flower  longer."  So 
out  into  the  fields  she  went,  where  the  long  grass 
rustled  as  she  passed,  and  timid  birds  looked  at 
10 


144  FLOWER    FABLES. 

her  from  their  nests  ;  where  lovely  wild-flowers 
nodded  in  the  wind,  and  opened  wide  their  fra- 
grant leaves,  to  welcome  in  the  murmuring  bees, 
while  butterflies,  like  winged  flowers,  danced 
and  glittered  in  the  sun. 

Little  Annie  looked,  searched,  and  asked  them 
all  if  any  one  could  tell  her  of  the  Fairy  whom 
she  sought ;  but  the  birds  looked  wonderingly 
at  her  with  their  soft,  bright  eyes,  and  still  sang 
on  ;  the  flowers  nodded  wisely  on  their  stems, 
but  did  not  speak,  while  butterfly  and  bee 
buzzed  and  fluttered  away,  one  far  too  busy, 
the  other  too  idle,  to  stay  and  tell  her  what  she 
asked. 

Then  she  went  through  broad  fields  of  yellow 
grain,  that  waved  around  her  like  -a  golden 
forest ;  here  crickets  chirped,  grasshoppers  leaped, 
and  busy  ants  worked,  but  they  could  not  tell 
her  what  she  longed  to  know. 

"  Now  will  I  go  among  the  hills,"  said  Annie, 
"  she  may  be  there."  So  up  and  down  the  green 
hill-sides  went  her  little  feet ;  long  she  searched 
and  vainly  she  called ;  but  still  no  Fairy  came. 
Then  by  the  river-side  she  went,  and  asked  the 
gay  dragon-flies,  and  the  cool  white  lilies,  if  the 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


145 


Fairy  had  been  there ;  but  the  blue  waves  rippled 
on  the  white  sand  at  her  feet,  and  no  voice  an- 
swered her. 

Then  into  the  forest  little  Annie  went ;  and  as 
she  passed  along  the  dim,  cool  paths,  the  wood- 
flowers  smiled  up  in  her  face,  gay  squirrels  peeped 
at  her,  as  they  swung  amid  the  vines,  and  doves 
cooed  softly  as  she  wandered  by ;  but  none  could 
answer  her.  So,  weary  with  her  long  and  useless 
search,  she  sat  amid  the  ferns,  and  feasted  on  the 
rosy  strawberries  that  grew  beside  her,  watching 
meanwhile  the  crimson  evening  clouds  that 
glowed  around  the  setting  sun. 

The  night-wind  rustled  through  the  boughs, 
rocking  the  flowers  to  sleep ;  the  wild  birds  sang 
their  evening  hymns,  and  all  within  the  wood 
grew  calm  and  still;  paler  and  paler  grew  the 
purple  light,  lower  and  lower  drooped  little  An- 
nie's head,  the  tall  ferns  bent  to  shield  her  from 
the  dew,  the  whispering  pines  sang  a  soft  lulla- 
by ;  and  when  the  Autumn  moon  rose  up,  her 
silver  light  shone  on  the  child,  where,  pillowed 
on  green  moss,  she  lay  asleep  amid  the  wood- 
flowers  in  the  dim  old  forest. 

And  all  night  long  beside  her  stood  the  Fairy 


146  FLOWER    FABLES. 

she  had  sought,  and   by   elfin  spell  and  charm 
sent  to  the  sleeping  child  this  dream. 

Little  Annie  dreamed  she  sat  in  her  own  gar- 
den, as  she  had  often  sat  before,  with  angry  feel- 
ings in  her  heart,  and  unkind  words  upon  her 
lips.  The  magic  flower  was  ringing  its  soft 
warning,  but  she  paid  no  heed  to  anything,  save 
her  own  troubled  thoughts ;  thus  she  sat,  when 
suddenly  a  low  voice  whispered  in  her  ear,  — 

"  Little  Annie,  look  and  see  the  evil  things 
that  you  are  cherishing ;  I  will  clothe  in  fitting 
shapes  the  thoughts  and  feelings  that  now  dwell 
within  your  heart,  and  you  shall  see  how  great 
their  power  becomes,  unless  you  banish  them  for 
ever." 

Then  Annie  saw,  with  fear  and  wonder,  that 
the  angry  words  she  uttered  changed  to  dark,  un- 
lovely forms,  each  showing  plainly  from  what 
fault  or  passion  it  had  sprung.  Some  of  the 
shapes  had  scowling  faces  and  bright,  fiery  eyes ; 
these  were  the  spirits  of  Anger.  Others,  with  sul- 
len, anxious  looks,  seemed  gathering  up  all  they 
could  reach,  and  Annie  saw  that  the  more  they 
gained,  the  less  they  seemed  to  have ;  and  these 
she  knew  were  shapes  of  Selfishness.     Spirits  of 


FLOWER    FABLES.  147 

Pride  were  there,  who  folded  their  shadowy  gar- 
ments round  them,  and  turned  scornfully  away 
from  all  the  rest.  These  and  many  others  little 
Annie  saw,  which  had  come  from  her  own  heart, 
and  taken  form  before  her  eyes. 

When  first  she  saw  them,  they  were  small  and 
weak ;  but  as  she  looked  they  seemed  to  grow  and 
gather  strength,  and  each  gained  a  strange  power 
over  her.  She  could  not  drive  them  from  her 
sight,  and  they  grew  ever  stronger,  darker,  and 
more  unlovely  to  her  eyes.  They  seemed  to  cast 
black  shadows  over  all  around,  to  dim  the  sun- 
shine, blight  the  flowers,  and  drive  away  all 
bright  and  lovely  things;  while  rising  slowly 
round  her  Annie  saw  a  high,  dark  wall,  that 
seemed  to  shut  out  everything  she  loved;  she 
dared  not  move,  or  speak,  but,  with  a  strange  fear 
at  her  heart,  sat  watching  the  dim  shapes  that 
hovered  round  her. 

Higher  and  higher  rose  the  shadowy  wall, 
slowly  the  flowers  near  her  died,  lingeringly  the 
sunlight  faded ;  but  at  last  they  both  were  gone, 
and  left  her  all  alone  behind  the  gloomy  wall. 
Then  the  spirits  gathered  round  her,  whispering 
strange  things  in  her  ear,  bidding  her  obey,  for 


148  FLOWER    FABLES. 

by  her  own  will  she  had  yielded  up  her  heart  to 
be  their  home,  and  she  was  now  their  slave. 
Then  she  could  hear  no  more,  but,  sinking  down 
among  the  withered  flowers,  wept  sad  and  bitter 
tears,  for  her  lost  liberty  and  joy ;  then  through 
the  gloom  there  shone  a  faint,  soft  light,  and  on 
her  breast  she  saw  her  fairy  flower,  upon  whose 
snow-white  leaves  her  tears  lay  shining. 

Clearer  and  brighter  grew  the  radiant  light,  till 
the  evil  spirits  turned  away  to  the  dark  shadow 
of  the  wall,  and  left  the  child  alone. 

The  light  and  perfume  of  the  flower  seemed 
to  bring  new  strength  to  Annie,  and  she  rose  up, 
saying,  as  she  bent  to  kiss  the  blossom  on  her 
breast,  "  Dear  flower,  help  and  guide  me  now, 
and  I  will  listen  to  your  voice,  and  cheerfully 
obey  my  faithful  fairy  bell." 

Then  in  her  dream  she  felt  how  hard  the  spir- 
its tried  to  tempt  and  trouble  her,  and  how,  but 
for  her  flower,  they  would  have  led  her  back,  and 
made  all  dark  and  dreary  as  before.  Long  and 
hard  she  struggled,  and  tears  often  fell ;  but  after 
each  new  trial,  brighter  shone  her  magic  flower, 
and  sweeter  grew  its  breath,  while  the  spirits  lost 
still  more  their  power  to  tempt  her.     Meanwhile, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  149 

green,  flowering  vines  crept  up  the  high,  dark 
wall,  and  hid  its  roughness  from  her  sight ;  and 
over  these  she  watched  most  tenderly,  for  soon, 
wherever  green  leaves  and  flowers  bloomed,  the 
wall  beneath  grew  weak,  and  fell  apart.  Thus 
little  Annie  worked  and  hoped,  till  one  by  one 
the  evil  spirits  fled  away,  and  in  their  place  came 
shining  forms,  with  gentle  eyes  and  smiling  lips, 
who  gathered  round  her  with  such  loving  words, 
and  brought  such  strength  and  joy  to  Annie's 
heart,  that  nothing  evil  dared  to  enter  in  ;  while 
slowly  sank  the  gloomy  wall,  and,  over  wreaths 
of  fragrant  flowers,  she  passed  out  into  the  pleas- 
ant world  again,  the  fairy  gift  no  longer  pale 
and  drooping,  but  now  shining  like  a  star  upon 
her  breast. 

Then  the  low  voice  spoke  again  in  Annie's 
sleeping  ear,  saying,  "  The  dark,  unlovely  pas- 
sions you  have  looked  upon  are  in  your  heart; 
watch  well  while  they  are  few  and  weak,  lest 
they  should  darken  your  whole  life,  and  shut  out 
love  and  happiness  for  ever.  Remember  well  the 
lesson  of  the  dream,  dear  child,  and  let  the  shin- 
ing spirits  make  your  heart  their  home." 

And  with  that  voice  sounding  in  her  ear,  little 


150  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Annie  woke  to  find  it  was  a  dream  ;  but  like 
other  dreams  it  did  not  pass  away ;  and  as  she 
sat  alone,  bathed  in  the  rosy  morning  light,  and 
watched  the  forest  waken  into  life,  she  thought 
of  the  strange  forms  she  had  seen,  and,  looking 
down  upon  the  flower  on  her  breast,  she  silently 
resolved  to  strive,  as  she  had  striven  in  her  dream, 
to  bring  back  light  and  beauty  to  its  faded 
leaves,  by  being  what  the  Fairy  hoped  to  render 
her,  a  patient,  gentle  little  child.  And  as  the 
thought  came  to  her  mind,  the  flower  raised  its 
drooping  head,  and,  looking  up  into  •  the  earnest 
little  face  bent  over  it,  seemed  by  its  fragrant 
breath  to  answer  Annie's  silent  thought,  and 
strengthen  her  for  what  might  come. 

Meanwhile  the  forest  was  astir,  birds  sang 
their  gay  good-morrows  from  tree  to  tree,  while 
leaf  and  flower  turned  to  greet  the  sun,  who  rose 
up  smiling  on  the  world ;  and  so  beneath  the  for- 
est boughs  and  through  the  dewy  fields  went  lit- 
tle Annie  home,  better  and  wiser  for  her  dream. 

Autumn  flowers  were  dead  and  gone,  yellow 
leaves  lay  rustling  on  the  ground,  bleak  winds 
went  whistling  through  the  naked  trees,  and  cold, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  151 

white  Winter  snow  fell  softly  down;  yet  now, 
when  all  without  looked  dark  and  dreary,  on 
little  Annie's  breast  the  fairy  flower  bloomed 
more  beautiful  than  ever.  The  memory  of  her 
forest  dream  had  never  passed  away,  and  through 
trial  and  temptation  she  had  been  true,  and  kept 
her  resolution  still  unbroken  ;  seldom  now  did 
the  warning  bell  sound  in  her  ear,  and  seldom 
did  the  flower's  fragrance  cease  to  float  about 
her,  or  the  fairy  light  to  brighten  all  whereon  it 
fell. 

So,  through  the  long,  cold  Winter,  little  Annie 
dwelt  like  a  sunbeam  in  her  home,  each  day 
growing  richer  in  the  love  of  others,  and  happier 
in  herself ;  often  was  she  tempted,  but,  remem- 
bering her  dream,  she  listened  only  to  the  music 
of  the  fairy  bell,  and  the  unkind  thought  or  feel- 
ing fled  away,  the  smiling  spirits  of  gentleness 
and  love  nestled  in  her  heart,  and  all  was  bright 
again. 

So  better  and  happier  grew  the  child,  fairer 
and  sweeter  grew  the  flower,  till  Spring  came 
smiling  over  the  earth,  and  woke  the  flowers,  set 
free  the  streams,  and  welcomed  back  the  birds ; 
then  daily  did  the  happy  child  sit  among   her 


152  FLOWER    FABLES. 

flowers,  longing  for  the  gentle  Elf  to  come  again, 
that  she  might  tell  her  gratitude  for  all  the  magic 
gift  had  done. 

At  length,  one  day,  as  she  sat  singing  in  the 
sunny  nook  where  all  her  fairest  flowers  bloomed, 
weary  with  gazing  at  the  far-off  sky  for  the  little 
form  she  hoped  would  come,  she  bent  to  look 
with  joyful  love  upon  her  bosom  flower;  and  as 
she  looked,  its  folded  leaves  spread  wide  apart, 
and,  rising  slowly  from  the  deep  white  cup,  ap- 
peared the  smiling  face  of  the  lovely  Elf  whose 
coming  she  had  waited  for  so  long. 

"  Dear  Annie,  look  for  me  no  longer ;  I  am 
here  on  your  own  breast,  for  you  have  learned  to 
love  my  gift,  and  it  has  done  its  work  most  faith- 
fully and  well,"  the  Fairy  said,  as  she  looked 
into  the  happy  child's  bright  face,  and  laid  her 
little  arms  most  tenderly  about  her  neck. 

"  And  now  have  I  brought  another  gift  from 
Fairy-Land,  as  a  fit  reward  for  you,  dear  child," 
she  said,  when  Annie  had  told  all  her  gratitude 
and  love  ;  then,  touching  the  child  with  her  shin- 
ing wand,  the  Fairy  bid  her  look  and  listen  si- 
lently. 

And  suddenly  the  world  seemed  changed  to 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


153 


Annie ;  for  the  air  was  filled  with  strange,  sweet 
sounds,  and  all  around  her  floated  lovely  forms. 
In  every  flower  sat  little  smiling  Elves,  singing 
gayly  as  they  rocked  amid  the  leaves.  On  every 
breeze,  bright,  airy  spirits  came  floating  by ;  some 
fanned  her  cheek  with  their  cool  breath,  and 
waved  her  long  hair  to  and  fro,  while  others  rang 
the  flower-bells,  and  made  a  pleasant  rustling 
among  the  leaves.  In  the  fountain,  where  the 
water  danced  and  sparkled  in  the  sun,  astride  of 
every  drop  she  saw  merry  little  spirits,  who 
plashed  and  floated  in  the  clear,  cool  waves, 
and  sang  as  gayly  as  the  flowers,  on  whom  they 
scattered  glittering  dew.  The  tall  trees,  as  their 
branches  rustled  in  the  wind,  sang  a  low,  dreamy 
song,  while  the  waving  grass  was  filled  with  lit- 
tle voices  she  had  never  heard  before.  Butterflies 
whispered  lovely  tales  in  her  ear,  and  birds  sang 
cheerful  songs  in  a  sweet  language  she  had  never 
understood  before.  Earth  and  air  seemed  filled 
with  beauty  and  with  music  she  had  never 
dreamed  of  until  now. 

"  O  tell  me  what  it  means,  dear  Fairy !  is  it 
another  and  a  lovelier  dream,  or  is  the  earth  in 
truth  so  beautiful  as  this  ?  "    she  cried,  looking 


154 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


with  wondering  joy  upon  the  Elf,  who  lay  upon 
the  flower  in  her  breast. 

"  Yes,  it  is  true,  dear  child,"  replied  the  Fairy, 
"  and  few  are  the  mortals  to  whom  we  give  this 
lovely  gift ;  what  to  you  is  now  so  full  of  music 
and  of  light,  to  others  is  but  a  pleasant  summer 
world  ;  they  never  know  the  language  of  butter- 
fly or  bird  or  flower,  and  they  are  blind  to  all 
that  I  have  given  you  the  power  to  see.  These 
fair  things  are  your  friends  and  playmates  now, 
and  they  will  teach  you  many  pleasant  lessons, 
and  give  you  many  happy  hours  ;  while  the  gar- 
den where  you  once  sat,  weeping  sad  and  bitter 
tears,  is  now  brightened  by  your  own  happiness, 
filled  with  loving  friends  by  your  own  kindly 
thoughts  and  feelings ;  and  thus  rendered  a 
pleasant  summer  home  for  the  gentle,  happy 
child,  whose  bosom  flower  will  never  fade.  And 
now,  dear  Annie,  I  must  go  ;  but  every  Spring- 
time, with  the  earliest  flowers,  will  I  come  again 
to  visit  you,  and  bring  some  fairy  gift.  Guard 
well  the  magic  flower,  that  I  may  find  all  fair 
and  bright  when  next  I  come." 

Then,  with  a  kind  farewell,  the  gentle  Fairy 
floated  upward  through  the  sunny  air,  smiling 


FLOWER    FABLES.  155 

down  upon  the  child,  until  she  vanished  in  the 
soft,  white  clouds,  and  little  Annie  stood  alone  in 
her  enchanted  garden,  where  all  was  brightened 
with  the  radiant  light,  and  fragrant  with  the  per- 
fume of  her  fairy  flower. 

When  Moonlight  ceased,  Summer- Wind  laid 
down  her  rose-leaf  fan,  and,  leaning  back  in  her 
acorn  cup,  told  this  tale  of 


RIPPLE,    THE    WATER-SPIRIT. 


Down  in  the  deep  blue  sea  lived  Ripple,  a 
happy  little  "Water- Spirit;  all  day  long  she 
danced  beneath  the  coral  arches,  made  garlands 
of  bright  ocean  flowers,  or  floated  on  the  great 
waves  that  sparkled  in  the  sunlight ;  but  the  pas- 
time that  she  loved  best  was  lying  in  the  many- 
colored  shells  upon  the  shore,  listening  to  the 
low,  murmuring  music  the  waves  had  taught 
them  long  ago;  and  here  for  hours  the  little 
Spirit  lay  watching  the  sea  and  sky,  while  sing- 
ing gayly  to  herself. 

But  when  tempests  rose,  she  hastened  down 
below  the  stormy  billows,  to  where  all  was  calm 
and  still,  and  with  her  sister  Spirits  waited  till  it 
should  be  fair  again,  listening  sadly,  meanwhile, 
to   the    cries    of   those   whom   the   wild   waves 


FLOWER    FABLES.  157 

wrecked  and  cast  into  the  angry  sea,  and  who 
soon  came  floating  down,  pale  and  cold,  to  the 
Spirits'  pleasant  home ;  then  they  wept  pitying 
tears  above  the  lifeless  forms,  and  laid  them  in 
quiet  graves,  where  flowers  bloomed,  and  jewels 
sparkled   in  the  sand. 

This  was  Ripple's  only  grief,  and  she  often 
thought  of  those  who  sorrowed  for  the  friends 
they  loved,  who  now  slept  far  down  in  the  dim 
and  silent  coral  caves,  and  gladly  would  she  have 
saved  the  lives  of  those  who  lay  around  her ; 
but  the  great  ocean  was  far  mightier  than  all 
the  tender-hearted  Spirits  dwelling  in  its  bosom. 
Thus  she  could  only  weep  for  them,  and  lay  them 
down  to  sleep  where  no  cruel  waves  could  harm 
them  more. 

One  day,  when  a  fearful  storm  raged  far  and 
wide,  and  the  Spirits  saw  great  billows  rolling 
like  heavy  clouds  above  their  heads,  and  heard 
the  wild  winds  sounding  far  away,  down  through 
the  foaming  waves  a  little  child  came  floating  to 
their  home ;  its  eyes  were  closed  as  if  in  sleep, 
the  long  hair  fell  like  sea-weed  round  its  pale, 
cold  face,  and  the  little  hands  still  clasped  the 
shells  they  had  been   gathering   on   the   beach, 


158  FLOWER    FABLES. 

when  the  great  waves  swept  it  into  the  troubled 
sea. 

With  tender  tears  the  Spirits  laid  the  little 
form  to  rest  upon  its  bed  of  flowers,  and,  sing- 
ing mournful  songs,  as  if  to  make  its  sleep  more 
calm  and  deep,  watched  long  and  lovingly  above 
it,  till  the  storm  had  died  away,  and  all  was 
still  again. 

While  Ripple  sang  above  the  little  child, 
through  the  distant  roar  of  winds  and  waves 
she  heard  a  wild,  sorrowing  voice,  that  seemed 
to  call  for  help.  Long  she  listened,  thinking  it 
was  but  the  echo  of  their  own  plaintive  song, 
but  high  above  the  music  still  sounded  the  sad, 
wailing  cry.  Then,  stealing  silently  away,  she 
glided  up  through  foam  and  spray,  till,  through 
the  parting  clouds,  the  sunlight  shone  upon  her 
from  the  tranquil  sky  ;  and,  guided  by  the  mourn- 
ful-sound,  she  floated  on,  till,  close  before  her 
on  the  beach,  she  saw  a  woman  stretching  forth 
her  arms,  and  with  a  sad,  imploring  voice  pray- 
ing the  restless  sea  to  give  her  back  the  little 
child  it  had  so  cruelly  borne  away.  But  the 
waves  dashed  foaming  up  among  the  bare  rocks 
at  her  feet,  mingling  their  cold  spray  with  her 
tears,  and  gave  no  answer  to  her  prayer. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  159 

When  Ripple  saw  the  mother's  grief,  she 
longed  to  comfort  her ;  so,  bending  tenderly  be- 
side her,  where  she  knelt  upon  the  shore,  the 
little  Spirit  told  her  how  her  child  lay  softly 
sleeping,  far  down  in  a  lovely  place,  where 
sorrowing  tears  were  shed,  and  gentle  hands 
laid  garlands  over  him.  But  all  in  vain  she 
whispered  kindly  words ;  the  weeping  mother 
only  cried, — 

"  Dear  Spirit,  can  you  use  no  charm  or  spell 
to  make  the  waves  bring  back  my  child,  as  full 
of  life  and  strength  as  when  they  swept  him 
from  my  side  ?  O  give  me  back  my  little  child, 
or  let  me  lie  beside  him  in  the  bosom  of  the 
cruel  sea." 

"  Most  gladly  will  I  help  you  if  I  can,  though 
I  have  little  power  to  use ;  then  grieve  no  more, 
for  I  will  search  both  earth  and  sea,  to  find 
some  friend  who  can  bring  back  all  you  have 
lost.  Watch  daily  on  the  shore,  and  if  I  do  not 
come  again,  then  you  wili  know  my  search  has 
been  in  vain.  Farewell,  poor  mother,  you  shall 
see  your  little  child  again,  if  Fairy  power  can 
win  him  back."  And  with  these  cheering  words 
Ripple  sprang  into  the  sea ;  while,  smiling  through 
11 


160 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


her  tears,  the  woman  watched  the  gentle  Spirit, 
till  her  bright  crown  vanished  in  the  waves. 

When  Ripple  reached  her  home,  she  hastened 
to  the  palace  of  the  Queen,  and  told  her  of  the 
little  child,  the  sorrowing  mother,  and  the  prom- 
ise she  had  made. 

"  Good  little  Ripple,"  said  the  Queen,  when 
she  had  told  her  all,  "  your  promise  never  can 
be  kept ;  there  is  no  power  below  the  sea  to 
work  this  charm,  and  you  can  never  reach  the 
Fire-Spirits'  home,  to  win  from  them  a  flame  to 
warm  the  little  body  into  life.  I  pity  the  poor 
mother,  and  would  most  gladly  help  her ;  but 
alas !  I  am  a  Spirit  like  yourself,  and  cannot 
serve  you  as  I  long  to  do." 

"  Ah,  dear  Queen  !  if  you  had  seen  her  sorrow, 
you  too  would  seek  to  keep  the  promise  I  have 
made.  I  cannot  let  her  watch  for  me  in  vain, 
till  I  have  done  my  best :  then  tell  me  where 
the  Fire- Spirits  dwell,  and  I  will  ask  of  them 
the  flame  that  shall  give  life  to  the  little  child 
and  such  great  happiness  to  the  sad,  lonely 
mother :  tell  me  the  path,  and  let  me  go." 

"  It  is  far,  far  away,  high  up  above  the  sun,  where 
no  Spirit  ever  dared  to  venture  yet,"  replied  the 


FLOWER    FABLES.  161 

Queen.  "  I  cannot  show  the  path,  for  it  is  through 
the  air.  Dear  Ripple,  do  not  go,  for  you  can 
never  reach  that  distant  place  :  some  harm  most 
surely  will  befall ;  and  then  how  shall  we  live, 
without  our  dearest,  gentlest  Spirit  ?  Stay  here 
with  us  in  your  own  pleasant  home,  and  think 
no  more  of  this,  for  I  can  never  let  you  go." 

But  Ripple  would  not  break  the  promise  she 
had  made,  and  besought  so  earnestly,  and  with 
such  pleading  words,  that  the  Queen  at  last  with 
sorrow  gave  consent,  and  Ripple  joyfully  pre- 
pared to  go.  She,  with  her  sister  Spirits,  built 
up  a  tomb  of  delicate,  bright-colored  shells, 
wherein  the  child  might  lie,  till  she  should 
come  to  wake  him  into  life ;  then,  praying  them 
to  watch  most  faithfully  above  it,  she  said  fare- 
well, and  floated  bravely  forth,  on  her  long,  un- 
known journey,  far  away. 

"  I  will  search  the  broad  earth  till  I  find  a 
path  up  to  the  sun,  or  some  kind  friend  who  will 
carry  me  ;  for,  alas !  I  have  no  wings,  and  cannot 
glide  through  the  blue  air  as  through  the  sea," 
said  Ripple  to  herself,  as  she  went  dancing  over 
the  waves,  which  bore  her  swiftly  onward  to- 
wards a  distant  shore. 


162  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Long  she  journeyed  through  the  pathless 
ocean,  with  no  friends  to  cheer  her,  save  the 
white  sea-birds  who  went  sweeping  by,  and 
only  stayed  to  dip  their  wide  wings  at  her  side, 
and  then  new  silently  away.  Sometimes  great 
ships  sailed  by,  and  then  with  longing  eyes  did 
the  little  Spirit  gaze  up  at  the  faces  that  looked 
down  upon  the  sea ;  for  often  they  were  kind  and 
pleasant  ones,  and  she  gladly  would  have  called 
to  them  and  asked  them  to  be  friends.  But  they 
would  never  understand  the  strange,  sweet  lan- 
guage that  she  spoke,  or  even  see  the  lovely 
face  that  smiled  at  them  above  the  waves ;  her 
blue,  transparent  garments  were  but  water  to 
their  eyes,  and  the  pearl  chains  in  her  hair  but 
foam  and  sparkling  spray  ;  so,  hoping  that  the 
sea  would  be  most  gentle  with  them,  silently 
she  floated  on  her  way,  and  left  them  far  be- 
hind. 

At  length  green  hills  were  seen,  and  the  waves 
gladly  bore  the  little  Spirit  on,  till,  rippling  gently 
over  soft  white  sand,  they  left  her  on  the  pleas- 
ant shore. 

"  Ah>  what  a  lovely  place  it  is  !  "  said  Ripple, 
as    she   passed    through    sunny    valleys,   where 


FLOWER    FABLES.  163 

flowers  began  to  bloom,  and  young  leaves  rustled 
on  the  trees. 

"  "Why  are  you  all  so  gay,  dear  birds  ?  "  she 
asked,  as  their  cheerful  voices  sounded  far  and 
near ;  "  is  there  a  festival  over  the  earth,  that  all 
is  so  beautiful  and  bright  ?  " 

"  Do  you  not  know  that  Spring  is  coming  ? 
The  warm  winds  whispered  it  days  ago,  and  we 
are  learning  the  sweetest  songs,  to  welcome  her 
when  she  shall  come,"  sang  the  lark,  soaring 
away  as  the  music  gushed  from  his  little  throat. 

"  And  shall  I  see  her,  Violet,  as  she  journeys 
over  the  earth  ?  "  asked  Ripple  again. 

"  Yes,  you  will  meet  her  soon,  for  the  sunlight 
told  me  she  was  near ;  tell  her  we  long  to  see 
her  again,  and  are  waiting  to  welcome  her  back," 
said  the  blue  flower,  dancing  for  joy  on  her  stem, 
as  she  nodded  and  smiled  on  the  Spirit. 

"  I  will  ask  Spring  where  the  Fire- Spirits 
dwell ;  she  travels  over  the  earth  each  year,  and 
surely  can  show  me  the  way,"  thought  Ripple, 
as  she  went  journeying  on. 

Soon  she  saw  Spring  come  smiling  over  the 
earth  ;  sunbeams  and  breezes  floated  before,  and 
then,   with    her    white    garments   covered   with 


164 


FLOWER    FABLES. 


flowers,  with  wreaths  in  her  hair,  and  dew- 
drops  and  seeds  falling  fast  from  her  hands, 
the  beautiful  season  came  singing  by. 

"  Dear  Spring,  will  you  listen,  and  help  a  poor 
little  Spirit,  who  seeks  far  and  wide  for  the  Fire- 
Spirits'  home  ?  "  cried  Ripple ;  and  then  told 
why  she  was  there,  and  begged  her  to  tell  what 
she  sought. 

"  The  Fire- Spirits'  home  is  far,  far  away,  and 
I  cannot  guide  you  there  ;  but  Summer  is  coming 
behind  me,"  said  Spring,  "  and  she  may  know 
better  than  I.  But  I  will  give  you  a  breeze  to 
help  you  on  your  way ;  it  will  never  tire  nor 
fail,  but  bear  you  easily  over  land  and  sea.  Fare- 
well, little  Spirit !  I  would  gladly  do  more,  but 
voices  are  calling  me  far  and  wide,  and  I  cannot 
stay." 

"  Many  thanks,  kind  Spring ! "  cried  Ripple,  as 
she  floated  away  on  the  breeze  ;  "  give  a  kindly 
word  to  the  mother  who  waits  on  the  shore,  and 
tell  her  I  have  not  forgotten  my  vow,  but  hope 
soon  to  see  her  again." 

Then  Spring  flew  on  with  her  sunshine  and 
flowers,  and  Ripple  went  swiftly  over  hill  and 
vale,  till  she  came  to  the  land  where   Summer 


FLOWER    FABLES.  165 

was  dwelling.  Here  the  sun  shone  warmly  down 
on  the  early  fruit,  the  winds  blew  freshly  over 
fields  of  fragrant  hay,  and  rustled  with  a  pleas- 
ant sound  among  the  green  leaves  in  the  forests ; 
heavy  dews  fell  softly  down  at  night,  and  long, 
bright  days  brought  strength  and  beauty  to  the 
blossoming  earth. 

"  Now  I  must  seek  for  Summer,"  said  Ripple, 
as  she  sailed  slowly  through  the  sunny  sky. 

"  I  am  here,  what  would  you  with  me,  little 
Spirit  ?  "  said  a  musical  voice  in  her  ear ;  and, 
floating  by  her  side,  she  saw  a  graceful  form, 
with  green  robes  fluttering  in  the  air,  whose 
pleasant  face  looked  kindly  on  her,  from  beneath 
a  crown  of  golden  sunbeams  that  cast  a  warm, 
bright  glow  on  all  beneath. 

Then  Ripple  told  her  tale,  and  asked  where 
she  should  go  ;  but   Summer  answered,  — 

"  I  can  tell  no  more  than  my  young  sister 
Spring  where  you  may  find  the  Spirits  that  you 
seek  ;  but  I  too,  like  her,  will  give  a  gift  to  aid 
you.  Take  this  sunbeam  from  my  crown  ;  it  will 
cheer  and  brighten  the  most  gloomy  path  through 
which  you  pass.  Farewell!  I  shall  carry  tidings 
of  you  to  the  watcher  by  the  sea,  if  in  my  journey 
round  the  world  I  find  her  there." 


166  FLOWER    FABLES. 

And  Summer,  giving  her  the  sunbeam,  passed 
away  over  the  distant  hills,  leaving  all  green  and 
bright  behind  her. 

So  Ripple  journeyed  on  again,  till  the  earth 
below  her  shone  with  yellow  harvests  waving 
in  the  sun,  and  the  air  was  filled  with  cheerful 
voices,  as  the  reapers  sang  among  the  fields  or 
in  the  pleasant  vineyards,  where  purple  fruit 
hung  gleaming  through  the  leaves  ;  while  the 
sky  above  was  cloudless,  and  the  changing 
forest-trees  shone  like  a  many-colored  garland, 
over  hill  and  plain ;  and  here,  along  the  ripening 
corn-fields,  with  bright  wreaths  of  crimson  leaves 
and  golden  wheat-ears  in  her  hair  and  on  her 
purple  mantle,  stately  Autumn  passed,  with  a 
happy  smile  on  her  calm  face,  as  she  went 
scattering  generous  gifts  from  her  full  arms. 

But  when  the  wandering  Spirit  came  to  her, 
and  asked  for  what  she  sought,  this  season, 
like  the  others,  could  not  tell  her  where  to  go ; 
so,  giving  her  a  yellow  leaf,  Autumn  said,  as  she 
passed  on,  — 

"  Ask  Winter,  little  Ripple,  when  you  come 
to  his  cold  home ;  he  knows  the  Fire-Spirits 
well,  for  when  he  comes  they  fly  to  the  earth, 


FLOWER    FABLES.  167 

to  warm  and  comfort  those  dwelling  there ; 
and  perhaps  he  can  tell  you  where  they  are. 
So  take  this  gift  of  mine,  and  when  you  meet 
his  chilly  winds,  fold  it  about  you,  and  sit  warm 
beneath  its  shelter,  till  you  come  to  sunlight 
again.  I  will  carry  comfort  to  the  patient 
woman,  as  my  sisters  have  already  done,  and 
tell  her  you  are  faithful  still." 

Then  on  went  the  never-tiring  Breeze,  over 
forest,  hill,  and  field,  till  the  sky  grew  dark,  and 
bleak  winds  whistled  by.  Then  Ripple,  folded  in 
the  soft,  warm  leaf,  looked  sadly  down  on  the 
earth,  that  seemed  to  lie  so  desolate  and  still 
beneath  its  shroud  of  snow,  and  thought  how 
bitter  cold  the  leaves  and  flowers  must  be ;  for 
the  little  Water- Spirit  did  not  know  that  Winter 
spread  a  soft  white  covering  above  their  beds, 
that  they  might  safely  sleep  below  till  Spring 
should  waken  them  again.  So  she  went  sorrow- 
fully on,  till  Winter,  riding  on  the  strong  North- 
Wind,  came  rushing  by,  with  a  sparkling  ice- 
crown  in  his  streaming  hair,  while  from  beneath 
his  crimson  cloak,  where  glittering  frost-work 
shone  like  silver  threads,  he  scattered  snow-flakes 
far  and  wide. 


168  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  What  do  you  seek  with  me,  fair  little  Spirit, 
that  you  come  so  bravely  here  amid  my  ice  and 
snow  ?  Do  not  fear  me ;  I  am  warm  at  heart, 
though  rude  and  cold  without,"  said  Winter, 
looking  kindly  on  her,  while  a  bright  smile  shone 
like  sunlight  on  his  pleasant  face,  as  it  glowed 
and  glistened  in  the  frosty  air. 

When  Ripple  told  him  why  she  had  come, 
he  pointed  upward,  where  the  sunlight  dimly 
shone  through  the  heavy  clouds,  saying,  — 

"  Far  off  there,  beside  the  sun,  is  the  Fire- 
Spirits'  home  ;  and  the  only  path  is  up,  through 
cloud  and  mist.  It  is  a  long,  strange  path,  for 
a  lonely  little  Spirit  to  be  going ;  the  Fairies  are 
wild,  wilful  things,  and  in  their  play  may  harm 
and  trouble  you.  Come  back  wTith  me,  and  do 
not  go  this  dangerous  journey  to  the  sky.  I  '11 
gladly  bear  you  home  again,  if  you  will  come." 

But  Ripple  said,  "  I  cannot  turn  back  now, 
when  I  am  nearly  there.  The  Spirits  surely  will 
not  harm  me,  when  I  tell  them  why  I  am  come ; 
and  if  I  win  the  flame,  I  shall  be  the  happiest 
Spirit  in  the  sea,  for  my  promise  will  be  kept, 
and  the  poor  mother  happy  once  again.  So  fare- 
well, Winter !  Speak  to  her  gently,  and  tell  her 
to  hope  still,  for  I  shall  surely  come." 


FLOWER    FABLES.  169 

"  Adieu,  little  Ripple !  May  good  angels  watch 
above  you !  Journey  bravely  on,  and  take  this 
snow-flake  that  will  never  melt,  as  my  gift," 
Winter  cried,  as  the  North- Wind  bore  him  on, 
leaving  a  cloud  of  falling  snow  behind. 

"  Now,  dear  Breeze,"  said  Ripple,  "  fly  straight 
upward  through  the  air,  until  we  reach  the  place 
we  have  so  long  been  seeking ;  Sunbeam  shall 
go  before  to  light  the  way,  Yellow-leaf  shall 
shelter  me  from  heat  and  rain,  while  Snow-flake 
shall  lie  here  beside  me  till  it  comes  of  use.  So 
farewell  to  the  pleasant  earth,  until  we  come 
again.     And  now  away,  up  to  the  sun ! " 

When  Ripple  first  began  her  airy  journey,  all 
was  dark  and  dreary ;  heavy  clouds  lay  piled 
like  hills  around  her,  and  a  cold  mist  filled  the 
air ;  but  the  Sunbeam,  like  a  star,  lit  up  the 
way,  the  leaf  lay  warmly  round  her,  and  the 
tireless  wind  went  swiftly  on.  Higher  and  higher 
they  floated  up,  still  darker  and  darker  grew  the 
air,  closer  the  damp  mist  gathered,  while  the 
black  clouds  rolled  and  tossed,  like  great  waves, 
to  and  fro. 

"  Ah ! "  sighed  the  weary  little  Spirit,  "  shall  I 
never  see  the  light  again,  or  feel  the  warm  winds 


170  FLOWER    FABLES. 

on  my  cheek  ?  It  is  a  dreary  way  indeed,  and  but 
for  the  Seasons'  gifts  I  should  have  perished  long 
ago ;  but  the  heavy  clouds  must  pass  away  at 
last,  and  all  be  fair  again.  So  hasten  on,  good 
Breeze,  and  bring  me  quickly  to  my  journey's 
end." 

Soon  the  cold  vapors  vanished  from  her  path, 
and  sunshine  shone  upon  her  pleasantly ;  so  she 
went  gayly  on,  till  she  came  up  among  the  stars, 
where  many  new,  strange  sights  were  to  be 
seen.  With  wondering  eyes  she  looked  upon  the 
bright  worlds  that  once  seemed  dim  and  distant, 
when  she  gazed  upon  them  from  the  sea ;  but 
now  they  moved  around  her,  some  shining  with 
a  softly  radiant  light,  some  circled  with  bright, 
many-colored  rings,  while  others  burned  with  a 
red,  angry  glare.  Ripple  would  have  gladly 
stayed  to  watch  them  longer,  for  she  fancied  low, 
sweet  voices  called  her,  and  lovely  faces  seemed 
to  look  upon  her  as  she  passed ;  but  higher  up 
still,  nearer  to  the  sun,  she  saw  a  far-off  light, 
that  glittered  like  a  brilliant  crimson  star,  and 
seemed  to  cast  a  rosy  glow  along  the  sky. 

"  The  Fire- Spirits  surely  must  be  there,  and  I 
must  stay  no  longer  here,"  said  Ripple.    So  stead- 


FLOWER    FABLES.  171 

ily  she  floated  on,  till  straight  before  her  lay  a 
broad,  bright  path,  that  led  up  to  a  golden  arch, 
beyond  which  she  could  see  shapes  flitting  to  and 
fro.  As  she  drew  near,  brighter  glowed  the  sky, 
hotter  and  hotter  grew  the  air,  till  Ripple's  leaf- 
cloak  shrivelled  up,  and  could  no  longer  shield  her 
from  the  heat ;  then  she  unfolded  the  white  snow- 
flake,  and,  gladly  wrapping  the  soft,  cool  mantle 
round  her,  entered  through  the  shining  arch. 

Through  the  red  mist  that  floated  all  around 
her,  she  could  see  high  walls  of  changing  light, 
where  orange,  blue,  and  violet  flames  went  flick- 
ering to  and  fro,  making  graceful  figures  as  they 
danced  and  glowed ;  and  underneath  these  rain- 
bow arches, ,  little  Spirits  glided,  far  and  near, 
wearing  crowns  of  fire,  beneath  which  flashed 
their  wild,  bright  eyes  ;  and  as  they  spoke,  sparks 
dropped  quickly  from  their  lips,  and  Ripple  saw 
with  wonder,  through  their  garments  of  trans- 
parent light,  that  in  each  Fairy's  breast  there 
burned  a  steady  flame,  that  never  wavered  or 
went  out. 

As  thus  she  stood,  the  Spirits  gathered  round 
her,  and  their  hot  breath  would  have  scorched 
her,  but  she  drew  the  snow-cloak  closer  round 
her,  saying,— 


172  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Take  me  to  your  Queen,  that  I  may  tell  her 
why  I  am  here,  and  ask  for  what  I  seek." 

So,  through  long  halls  of  many-colored  fire, 
they  led  her  to  a  Spirit  fairer  than  the  rest,  whose 
crown  of  flames  waved  to  and  fro  like  golden 
plumes,  while,  underneath  her  violet  robe,  the 
light  within  her  breast  glowed  bright  and  strong. 

"  This  is  our  Queen,"  the  Spirits  said,  bending 
low  before  her,  as  she  turned  her  gleaming  eyes 
upon  the  stranger  they  had  brought. 

Then  Ripple  told  how  she  had  wandered  round 
the  world  in  search  of  them,  how  the  Seasons 
had  most  kindly  helped  her  on,  by  giving  Sun- 
beam, Breeze,  Leaf,  and  Flake ;  and  how, 
through  many  dangers,  she  had  come  at  last  to 
ask  of  them  the  magic  flame  that  could  give  life 
to  the  little  child  again. 

When  she  had  told  her  tale,  the  spirits  whis- 
pered earnestly  among  themselves,  while  sparks 
fell  thick  and  fast  with  every  word ;  at  length  the 
Fire- Queen  said  aloud, — 

"  We  cannot  give  the  flame  you  ask,  for  each 
of  us  must  take  a  part  of  it  from  our  own 
breasts ;  and  this  we  will  not  do,  for  the  brighter 
our  bosom-fire  burns,  the  lovelier  we  are.     So  do 


FLOWER    FABLES.  173 

not  ask  us  for  this  thing ;  but  any  other  gift  we 
will  most  gladly  give,  for  we  feel  kindly  towards 
you,  and  will  serve  you  if  we  may." 

Bat  Ripple  asked  no  other  boon,  and,  weeping 
sadly,  begged  them  not  to  send  her  back  without 
the  gift  she  had  come  so  far  to  gain. 

"  O  dear,  warm-hearted  Spirits !  give  me  each 
a  little  light  from  your  own  breasts,  and  surely 
they  will  glow  the  brighter  for  this  kindly  deed ; 
and  I  will  thankfully  repay  it  if  I  can."  As  thus 
she  spoke,  the  Queen,  who  had  spied  out  a  chain 
of  jewels  Ripple  wore  upon  her  neck,  replied, — 

"  If  you  will  give  me  those  bright,  sparkling 
stones,  I  will  bestow  on  you  a  part  of  my  own 
flame  ;  for  we  have  no  such  lovely  things  to  wear 
about  our  necks,  and  I  desire  much  to  have 
them.  Will  you  give  it  me  for  what  I  offer,  little 
Spirit?" 

Joyfully  Ripple"  gave  her  the  chain  ;  but,  as 
soon  as  it  touched  her  hand,  the  jewels  melted 
like  snow,  and  fell  in  bright  drops  to  the  ground ; 
at  this  the  Queen's  eyes  flashed,  and  the  Spirits 
gathered  angrily  about  poor  Ripple,  who  looked 
sadly  at  the  broken  chain,  and  thought  in  vain 
what  she  could  give,  to  win  the  thing  she  longed 
so  earnestly  for. 


174  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  I  have  many  fairer  gems  than  these,  in  my 
home  below  the  sea ;  and  I  will  bring  all  I  can 
gather  far  and  wide,  if  you  will  grant  my  prayer, 
and  give  me  what  I  seek,"  she  said,  turning 
gently  to  the  fiery  Spirits,  who  were  hovering 
fiercely  round  her. 

"  You  must  bring  us  each  a  jewel  that  will 
never  vanish  from  our  hands  as  these  have  done," 
they  said,  "  and  we  will  each  give  of  our  fire  ; 
and  when  the  child  is  brought  to  life,  you  must 
bring  hither  all  the  jewels  you  can  gather  from 
the  depths  of  the  sea,  that  we  may  try  them  here 
among  the  flames ;  but  if  they  melt  away  like 
these,  then  we  shall  keep  you  prisoner,  till  you 
give  us  back  the  light  we  lend.  If  you  consent  to 
this,  then  take  our  gift,  and  journey  home  again ; 
but  fail  not  to  return,  or  we  shall  seek  you  out." 

And  Ripple  said  she  would  consent,  though 
she  knew  not  if  the  jewels  could  be  found;  still, 
thinking  of  the  promise  she  had  made,  she  forgot 
all  else,  and  told  the  Spirits  what  they  asked 
most  surely  should,  be  done.  So  each  one  gave  a 
little  of  the  fire  from  their  breasts,  and  placed  the 
flame  in  a  crystal  vase,  through  which  it  shone 
and  glittered  like  a  star. 


She  saw  the  dark  blue  sea  sbc  left  so  long  ago. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  175 


Then,  bidding  her  remember  all  she  had  prom- 
ised them,  they  led  her  to  the  golden  arch,  and 
said  farewell. 

So,  down  along  the  shining  path,  through  mist 
and  cloud,  she  travelled  back ;  till,  far  below,  she 
saw  the  broad  blue  sea  she  left  so  long  ago. 

Gladly  she  plunged  into  the  clear,  cool  waves, 
and  floated  back  to  her  pleasant  home ;  where 
the  Spirits  gathered  joyfully  about  her,  listening 
with  tears  and  smiles,  as  she  told  all  her  many 
wanderings,  and  showed  the  crystal  vase  that 
she  had  brought. 

"  Now  come,"  said  they,  "  and  finish  the  good 
work  you  have  so  bravely  carried  on."  So  to  the 
quiet  tomb  they  went,  where,  like  a  marble  im- 
age, cold  and  still,  the  little  child  was  lying. 
Then  Ripple  placed  the  flame  upon  his  breast, 
and  watched  it  gleam  and  sparkle  there,  while 
light  came  slowly  back  into  the  once  dim  eyes,  a 
rosy  glow  shone  over  the  pale  face,  and  breath 
stole  through  the  parted  lips ;  still  brighter  and 
warmer  burned  the  magic  fire,  until  the  child 
awoke  from  his  long  sleep,  and  looked  in  smiling 
wonder  at  the  faces  bending  over  him. 

Then  Ripple  sang  for  joy,  and,  with  her  sister 
12 


176  FLOWER    FABLES. 

Spirits,  robed  the  child  in  graceful  garments, 
woven  of  bright  sea-weed,  while  in  his  shining 
hair  they  wreathed  long  garlands  of  their  fairest 
flowers,  and  on  his  little  arms  hung  chains  of 
brilliant  shells. 

"  Now  come  with  us,  dear  child,"  said  Ripple  ; 
"we  will  bear  you  safely  up  into  the  sunlight 
and  the  pleasant  air ;  for  this  is  not  your  home, 
and  yonder,  on  the  shore,  there  waits  a  loving 
friend  for  you." 

So  up  they  went,  through  foam  and  spray,  till 
on  the  beach,  where  the  fresh  winds  played 
among  her  falling  hair,  and  the  waves  broke 
sparkling  at  her  feet,  the  lonely  mother  still  stood, 
gazing  wistfully  across  the  sea.  Suddenly,  upon 
a  great  blue  billow  that  came  rolling  in,  she  saw 
the  Water- Spirits  smiling  on  her;  and  high  aloft, 
in  their  white  gleaming  arms,  her  child  stretched 
forth  his  hands  to  welcome  her ;  while  the  little 
voice  she  so  longed  to  hear  again  cried  gayly,  — 

"  See,  dear  mother,  I  am  come ;  and  look  what 
lovely  things  the  gentle  Spirits  gave,  that  I  might 
seem  more  beautiful  to  you." 

Then  gently  the  great  wave  broke,  and  rolled 
back  to  the  sea,  leaving  Ripple  on  the  shore,  and 
the  child  clasped  in  his  mothers  arms. 


FLOWER    FABLES.  ]  77 

"  O  faithful  little  Spirit !  I  would  gladly  give 
some  precious  gift  to  show  my  gratitude  for  this 
kind  deed ;  but  I  have  nothing  save  this  chain  of 
little  pearls :  they  are  the  tears  I  shed,  and  the 
sea  has  changed  them  thus,  that  I  might  offer 
them  to  you,"  the  happy  mother  said,  when  her 
first  joy  was  passed,  and  Ripple  turned  to  go. 

"  Yes,  I  will  gladly  wear  your  gift,  and  look 
upon  it  as  my  fairest  ornament,"  the  Water- Spirit 
said  ;  and  with  the  pearls  upon  her  breast,  she 
left  the  shore,  where  the  child  was  playing  gayly 
to  and  fro,  and  the  mother's  glad  smile  shone 
upon  her,  till  she  sang  beneath  the  waves. 

And  now  another  task  was  to  be  done ;  her 
promise  to  the  Fire- Spirits  must  be  kept.  So  far 
and  wide  she  searched  among  the  caverns  of  the 
sea,  and  gathered  all  the  brightest  jewels  shining 
there;  and  then  upon  her  faithful  Breeze  once 
more  went  journeying  through  the  sky. 

The  Spirits  gladly  welcomed  her,  and  led  her 
to  the  Queen,  before  whom  she  poured  out  the 
sparkling  gems  she  had  gathered  with  such  toil 
and  care ;  but  when  the  Spirits  tried  to  form  them 
into  crowns,  they  trickled  from  their  hands  like 
colored  drops  of  dew,  and  Ripple  saw  with  fear 


178  FLOWER    FABLES. 

and  sorrow  how  they  melted  one  by  one  away, 
till  none  of  all  the  many  she  had  brought  re- 
mained. Then  the  Fire- Spirits  looked  upon  her 
angrily,  and  when  she  begged  them  to  be  merci- 
ful, and  let  her  try  once  more,  saying,  — 

"  Do  not  keep  me  prisoner  here.  I  cannot 
breathe  the  flames  that  give  you  life,  and  but 
for  this  snow-mantle  I  too  should  melt  away, 
and  vanish  like  the  jewels  in  your  hands.  O 
dear  Spirits,  give  me  some  other  task,  but  let 
me  go  from  this  warm  place,  where  all  is  strange 
and  fearful  to  a  Spirit  of  the  sea." 

They  would  not  listen  ;  and  drew  nearer,  say- 
ing, while  bright  sparks  showered  from  their 
lips,  "  We  will  not  let  you  go,  for  you  have 
promised  to  be  ours  if  the  gems  you  brought 
proved  worthless  ;  so  fling  away  this  cold  white 
cloak,  and  bathe  with  us  in  the  fire  fountains, 
and  help  us  bring  back  to  our  bosom  flames 
the  light  we  gave  you  for  the  child." 

Then  Ripple  sank  down  on  the  burning  floor, 
and  felt  that  her  life  was  nearly  done  ;  for  she 
well  knew  the  hot  air  of  the  fire-palace  would 
be  death  to  her.  The  Spirits  gathered  round,  and 
began  to  lift  her  mantle  ofT ;  but  underneath  they 


FLOWER    FABLES.  179 

saw  the  pearl  chain,  shining  with  a  clear,  soft 
light,  that  only  glowed  more  brightly  when  they 
laid  their  hands  upon  it. 

"  O  give  us  this !  "  cried  they  ;  "  it  is  far  love- 
lier than  all  the  rest,  and  does  not  melt  away 
like  them ;  and  see  how  brilliantly  it  glitters  in 
our  hands.  If  we  may  but  have  this,  all  will  be 
well,  and  you  are  once  more  free." 

And  Ripple,  safe  again  beneath  her  snow- 
flake,  gladly  gave  the  chain  to  them ;  and  told 
them  how  the  pearls  they  now  placed  proudly 
on  their  breasts  were  formed  of  tears,  which 
but  for  them  might  still  be  flowing.  Then  the 
Spirits  smiled  most  kindly  on  her,  and  would 
have  put  their  arms  about  her,  and  have  kissed 
her  cheek,  but  she  drew  back,  telling  them  that 
every  touch  of  theirs  was  like  a  wound  to  her. 

"  Then,  if  we  may  not  tell  our  pleasure  so,  we 
will  show  it  in  a  different  way,  and  give  you  a 
pleasant  journey  home.  Come  out  with  us,"  the 
Spirits  said,  "  and  see  the  bright  path  we  have 
made  for  you."  So  they  led  her  to  the  lofty 
gate,  and  here,  from  sky  to  earth,  a  lovely  rain- 
bow arched  its  radiant  colors  in  the  sun. 

"  This  is  indeed  a  pleasant  road,"  said  Ripple. 


180  FLOWER    FABLES. 

"  Thank  you,  friendly  Spirits,  for  your  care  ;  and 
now  farewell.  I  would  gladly  stay  yet  longer, 
but  we  cannot  dwell  together,  and  I  am  longing 
sadly  for  my  own  cool  home.  Now  Sunbeam, 
Breeze,  Leaf,  and  Flake,  fly  back  to  the  Seasons 
whence  you  came,  and  tell  them  that,  thanks  to 
their  kind  gifts,  Ripple's  work  at  last  is  done." 

Then  down  along  the  shining  pathway  spread 
before  her,  the  happy  little  Spirit  glided  to  the 
sea. 

"  Thanks,  dear  Summer- Wind,"  said  the  Queen; 
"  we  will  remember  the  lessons  you  have  each 
taught  us,  and  when  next  we  meet  in  Fern  Dale, 
you  shall  tell  us  more.  And  now,  dear  Trip,  call 
them  from  the  lake,  for  the  moon  is  sinking  fast, 
and  we  must  hasten  home." 

The  Elves  gathered  about  their  Queen,  and 
while  the  rustling  leaves  were  still,  and  the 
flowers'  sweet  voices  mingled  with  their  own, 
they  sang  this 


FAIRY     SONG 


The  moonlight  fades  from  flower  and  tree, 

And  the  stars  dim  one  by  one  ; 
The  tale  is  told,  the  song  is  sung, 

And  the  Fairy  feast  is  done. 
The  night-wind  rocks  the  sleeping  flowers, 

And  sings  to  them,  soft  and  low. 
The  early  birds  erelong  will  wake : 

'T  is  time  for  the  Elves  to  go. 

O'er  the  sleeping  earth  we  silently  pass, 

Unseen  by  mortal  eye, 
And  send  sweet  dreams,  as  we  lightly  float 

Through  the  quiet  moonlit  sky ;  — 
For  the  stars'  soft  eyes  alone  may  see, 

And  the  flowers  alone  may  know, 
The  feasts  we  hold,  the  tales  we  tell  : 

So  't  is  time  for  the  Elves  to  go. 

From  bird,  and  blossom,  and  bee, 
We  learn  the  lessons  they  teach ; 


182  FLOWER    FABLES. 

And  seek,  by  kindly  deeds,  to  -win 

A  loving  friend  in  each. 
And  though  unseen  on  earth  we  dwell, 

Sweet  voices  whisper  low, 
And  gentle  hearts  most  joyously  greet 

The  Elves  where'er  they  go. 

When  next  me  meet  in  the  Fairy  dell, 

May  the  silver  moon's  soft  light 
Shine  then  on  faces  gay  as  now, 

And  Elfin  hearts  as  light. 
Now  spread  each  wing,  for  the  eastern  sky 

With  sunlight  soon  will  glow. 
The  morning  star  shall  light  us  home  : 

Farewell !  for  the  Elves  must  go. 

As  the  music  ceased,  with  a  soft,  rustling 
sound  the  Elves  spread  their  shining  wings, 
and  flew  silently  over  the  sleeping  earth ;  the 
flowers  closed  their  bright  eyes,  the  little  winds 
were  still,  for  the  feast  was  over,  and  the  Fairy 
lessons  ended. 


THE    END. 


